AFC South Week 16 Preview and Predictions

By Joanne Kong

Twitter: @kongfu4u  AFC West Week 16

HOUSTON TEXANS (8-6)

Cincinnati Bengals @ Houston Texans

It took 15 weeks of the regular season for the Texans to pull quarterback, Brock Osweiler.  All I can say is…it’s about time the Texans came to their senses.

It probably wasn’t a decision they made lightly when calculating the expense the Texans undertook in signing Osweiler, believing he was the second coming…of what I’m not too certain.

Oswelier completed 6 out of 11 passes for 48 yards and 2 interceptions in week 15 before they pulled him late in the second quarter and put in back-up Tom Savage, who completed 23 out of 36 passes, threw for 260 yards and with no touchdowns and no interceptions.

The Texans and Tennessee Titans are currently tied for 1st place.  If the Texans lose week 16, and the Titans win (defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars), well lets just say there are a lot of scenarios, yet the Texans could still take a wildcard spot in the AFC.

In week 16, the Houston Texans host the Cincinnati Bengals.

  • Tom Savage?

Tom Savage carried the Texans to victory in week 15, but can he replicate his performance?  The Texans haven’t had much luck (no pun intended) with the quarterback positions, but they’re not alone.

  • No Tyler Eifert.

Tight end, Tyler Eifert, has been one of Cincinnati quarterback, Andy Dalton, major targets with 47 targets, 394 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns.  There might be a hole without Eifert, as he’s been ruled out for Week 16, but the Texans defense isn’t welcoming the return of A.J. Green (knee).  Green has had 964 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns this season.  Dalton will still have wide receiver, Brandon LaFell (who have 665 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns).

UPDATE – A.J. Green now has also been ruled out this week.

  • Houston Texans Run game.

The Texans have struggled on offense with quarterback, Brock Osweiler.  Enter Tom Savage.  But, what will the Texans do without Lamar Miller?  Miller hasn’t practiced this week due to an ankle injury, but said he would play on Saturday.  Miller has been the backbone of this team, and his loss would have a significant impact on the team.  Miller has had 1073 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in his first year as a Texan.

If Miller is unable to play, Alfred Blue and Jonathan Grimes will split time at running back.

Although the Bengals defense is 26th in the league against the run, they have managed to hold teams to less than a 100-rushing yards in 3 of their last 4 games.  If the Texans are behind, it might be hard to catch-up if Miller is unable to play.

  • The pass game.

The Texans have the 2nd best pass defense in the league, allowing just 203.5 yards per game.  Currently, Andy Dalton has the 9th most passing yards in the league and has been sacked 37 times.  With one of the worst offensive lines in the league, Dalton might look to have some trouble against the Texans defense and their ability to get pressure on quarterbacks.

What can we expect in Week 16?

  • A defensive touchdowns.

The Houston Texans win.

TENNESSEE TITANS (8-6) & JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (2-11)

Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars

In week 15, although losing 20-21, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Blake Bortles had a solid game this season against the Houston Texans.  In week 16, it will be just as challenging.

  • Gus Bradly fired.

Who is leading this team now? Doug Marrone, who was the Jaguars offensive line coach, is now the interim head coach.

  • The Tennessee Titans run game

The Titans are ranked third in rushing game, and DeMarco Murray is 2nd overall in rushing yards (1224) with 9 touchdowns and 3 passing touchdowns.

The Jaguars are 21st in the league against the run, but in week 16, they held the Houston Texans to 79 rushing yards and a Lamar Miller touchdown.

  • Jaguars Pride.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have no chance at the postseason.  I know it.  The NFL knows it.  Jaguars fans know it.  But, they could end the season on a high note by winning their last two games.

  • The Jacksonville Jaguars need to score.

The Jaguars were able to do it in week 15, but will they be able to do it again?  In week 15, wide receiver Marquise Lee had a 100-yard kick return for a touchdown.  Bortles rushed for a touchdown.  And, Jason Meyers had two field goals.  Unfortunately, Bortles threw for only 92-yards, an interception and was sacked 2-times.

Even with Chris Ivory back, the Texans were able to hold the Jaguars to 67 rushing yards.

The key to success is balance, and the Jaguars are anything but balanced.

What can we expect in Week 16?

  • Allen Robinson gets a touchdown.

The Jacksonville Jaguars win.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (7-7)

Indianapolis Colts @ Oakland Raiders

SEE AFC WEST WEEK 16 PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS.

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