Wins predicted for the Ravens, Texans & Chiefs...
Friday 26 December 2014 21:52, UK
Sky Sports News' Richard Graves previews the weekend's AFC action and gives his predictions for the latest round of games...
Cleveland Browns @ Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens suffered a disappointing and embarrassing loss in Houston last weekend, which means they now need help to make the playoffs. QB Joe Flacco had arguably his poorest outing this season, throwing three interceptions and completing just 21 of his 50 attempts.
A hamstring injury to rookie QB Jonny Manziel means Bryan Hoyer will return to the Browns starting line-up and there's the added incentive of preventing a divisional rival making the post-season.
Given what's at stake it's tough to see Baltimore slipping up twice in as many weeks – especially with home-field advantage. Even if they win though, they need the San Diego Chargers to lose or tie to qualify for the playoffs.
Pick: Baltimore Ravens
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans
There is a scenario where the Texans can force their way into the post-season, but they need to win and hope the Ravens and the Chargers both lose!
Without doubt the best defensive player in the NFL this season, Houston’s DE JJ Watt, will once again likely be the scourge of the Jaguars’ offence this Sunday. Case Keenum did a serviceable job coming in at QB last week, but if he’s forced to make plays against a good Jaguars defence it could become a very interesting game.
Rookie Blake Bortles continues to improve at QB for Jacksonville, but his offensive line has been the Achilles heel of the team all year. The onus is on Bortles to look after the ball, something which he hasn't been able to do. With Arian Foster carrying the workload on the ground, the Texans should get their ninth win of the year.
Pick: Houston Texans
San Diego Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday 5.30pm Sky Sports 2
If Ravens lose in Houston, San Diego would hold their fate in their own hands after Saturday’s improbable, overtime victory in San Francisco
The Chiefs saw their playoff hopes all-but slip away with a loss in Pittsburgh and there's no doubt where their problems have been this year. Through 16 games they haven't thrown a single touchdown to a wide receiver – certainly it's an area that head coach Andy Reid will need to address ahead of next year.
Pride is a funny thing though and the opportunity to burst the bubble of a divisional rival shouldn't be overlooked. They were 23-20 winners in San Diego earlier this season and this could be a game too far for the Chargers. If the Chiefs win, they'll leapfrog over San Diego and take second place in the division. They could also sneak into the playoffs in the unlikely event that the Ravens and Texans both lose.
Pick: Kansas City Chiefs
New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins
Despite the Dolphins' late heroics last week, their season is effectively over after other results officially eliminated them from playoff contention.
Ryan Tannehill threw four TDs in Miami's dramatic win over Minnesota, making him the first Dolphins QB to do that since Dan Marino! That was seemingly enough to secure Joe Philbin's job as well after it was announced he'll remain the head coach next year.
The Jets also turned in an impressive performance against the Patriots, but fell to a 17-16 defeat. It appears this may be the final game for their head coach Rex Ryan, as while his team have played hard for him all season they lack the talent in crucial positions.
Pick: Miami Dolphins
Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
With a stunning upset win over the Packers, Buffalo gave themselves a chance of making the playoffs, only to follow it up with a dreadful performance against the Raiders – meaning they have little more than pride to play for in New England.
Victory for the Patriots last week secured a first-round bye and leaves them as the No 1 seed in the AFC. Bill Belichick can afford to rest players if he chooses, while the Bills may restore QB EJ Manuel to the starting line-up as they begin planning for next season.
Pick: New England Patriots
Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Victory over the Broncos put the Bengals back on top of the AFC North – setting up another prime-time showdown against the Steelers – where the divisional title and possibly a first-round bye are up for grabs.
Andy Dalton's stats weren't spectacular but he did what was needed, throwing two TDs in a 37-28 Bengals win. RB Jeremy Hill also impressed, but will now go head-to-head with the Steelers’ work horse, Le'Veon Bell. Expect the terrible towels to be out in force for what is sure to be a playoff-type atmosphere in Pittsburgh. The Steelers are coming good at exactly the right time of the year!
Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers
Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans
Without WR TY Hilton, The Colts offence didn't carry anything like its usual threat in last week’s defeat in Dallas and, combined with a number of glaring errors, the Colts were never in the game. It would be a surprise then, if Chuck Pagano decided to rest his star players against Tennessee as the Colts will want to create some momentum.
The Titans will probably be praying he does rest players, as they’ve lost nine games in a row and if the season finished today, they would be on the clock with the second pick of next year's NFL draft. The Colts have faced little competition in the AFC South, highlighted by their perfect 5-0 divisional record. They are locked into the 3rd seed and should make that divisional record 6-0 on Sunday.
Pick: Indianapolis Colts
Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos
Defeat to the Bengals on Monday night put Denver's first-round bye in jeopardy, meaning they must beat Oakland this week to ensure an extra seven days rest for their players. Questions have been hanging around QB Peyton Manning's play for the last month and against Cincinnati he turned in his worst performance this season as he threw four interceptions.
Oakland have cause for optimism after last week’s impressive home win over Buffalo. Rookie Derek Carr has grown into the role as quarterback this year, but playing Denver at Mile High is a different proposition. The Raiders were swept aside 42-17 last month and you'd expect the Broncos to bounce back against them this week.
Pick: Denver Broncos