Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8)
v.
Tennessee Titans (6-6)
Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans
Whoops!
Thought that I saw the Pats vising the Fins as the Thursday Night Game, but in fact, it will be Jax at Tennessee.
So, that older one will serve as a long preview of a regular Sunday afternoon game, while I start a new, more relevant prediction blog entry for the actual Thursday night game.
Both of these teams have some of the ugliest uniforms in the league. Seriously, they really stand out aesthetically for the wrong reasons. At least the Jaguars scrapped the two-tone helmets that they had for a few seasons, and are back to a solid color. But their uniforms have never looked great. The Titans did not have horrendous uniforms prior to this season, but I admittedly do not like the switch to navy blue helmets, and the other uniform changes that this franchise made. Dark blue might have been a bit different and more original several decades ago, but once the Falcons switched to all-black helmets and jerseys, and several teams followed up with similarly dark helmets and/or uniforms, including the Jaguars, Ravens and Broncos, that trend had played itself out. Now, teams like that are a dime a dozen, and the Titans could have done so much better. I think their best bet might have been a light blue helmet, with similar jerseys and or away pants, which would have made them look far more distinctive, and sharp. Or, perhaps red helmets, which have become rare in this league, for whatever the reason. But very dark blue? Seriously? Their helmets look somewhat similar to numerous other NFL franchises now, and I find that they have such a boring new look that does not stand out at all.
The Titans won the last meeting, are at home, and sure seem to be the better team. They have so much more riding on this game than Jax does, because the Titans, at least for now, are far more relevant in the playoff picture, with a real chance to qualify if they win out, or even go 3-1.
Somehow, though, my impression is that this is not a sure bet no matter who I would pick. And frankly, an upset by the Jaguars is hardly unthinkable in this one, especially after Jax finally showed signs of life with a stunning upset win last weekend over the previously red hot Colts. And they shut out Luck and that explosive offense in the process!
One thing that I will predict is that this game will likely be a low-scoring game, and will also probably not be a pretty game. It will be physical and slow, most likely, with both defenses playing tough and physical, smash-mouth football.
Ultimately, I do not want to bet against the Titans. That hardly makes them feel like a lock, because I could easily picture the Jaguars having a good game and coming out of this winners. But going in, with a wicked defense, and an inconsistent offense that could show sparks of life every now and then, plus home field advantage and all that they are fighting for, it would feel a little absurd to actually predict against Tennessee to win this game. So, they will be my pick for this Thursday.
My pick: Tennessee
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