Isn’t that an exciting post title?
The Jets are off of a bye and, hopefully, ready to begin a tough fight for the playoffs. There is no viable excuse from here on out; sore legs and deflated egos are thrown out the window.
The rest of the schedule is, like any Akon song, very average (“I wanna turn off, turn off, the raaaadioo”). The Jets have tough games against the Colts, Patriots, Bengals, and the Hawks and could be on their way to a very viable wildcard playoff record at 10-6 if they can split those games and win the games they should. It’s a stretch to say that the Jets have a decent chance of making the playoffs– but there’s definitely a chance.
Frustration is now my normal response to Sunday football. Fantasy football, in particular, has stolen the joy of the game away from my heart (I imagine fantasy football as a dementor with a constant, sick smile on its face). But the other day, I thanked the Lord for a news bit that gave me a sick smile on my face.
“Vernon Gholston questionable for Sunday’s game against the Jaguars!!!!!” (there were no exclamation points in the actual report)
I will save the rant against Gholston for later, but I have a feeling that the Jets defense will step up. We have already lost Kris Jenkins, the biggest difference maker on defense. Hopefully, a questionable Gholston will relieve Rex Ryan of the save-face duty he’s had of playing the underachieving Buckeye (who, as a pass rusher, has yet to have an NFL sack), leading him to play Rutgers graduate Jamaal Westerman. A guy can dream, can’t he?
Not pictured: a tackle
My prediction says that the Jets will win the game. However, I think the 7 point spread Vegas has on the game (with the Jets as a favorite) is too high. The Jaguars (4-4) are playing good football as of late. Sims-Walker has become the top receiver on the team, seemingly out of nowhere. The Jets will have to run hard against a defense who has allowed 120 yards per game, including the season’s second longest run (89 yards).
Whichever team controls the ball (read: controls interceptions. I’m talking to you Mark Sanchez) and has a big play (there shouldn’t be many) will be sleeping soundly. Though neither team has any business slacking at 5-4 or 4-5.
My 4 picks for the weekend are as follows:
Bengals vs. Steelers – I’m sticking with the Bengals until they give me a reason to stop. Admittedly, the Steel Curtain makes a good argument for a flip-flop Obama would be proud of. UPSET UPSET!
Eagles vs. Chargers – It’s the second half of the season, and here come the Chargers. I’m convinced that Vincent Jackson is a top 5 receiver in the NFL — he’s proven himself worthy of the praise.
Cowboys vs. Packers – I’ll be honest, I had the Packers going to the playoffs in the beginning of the year. I do like them to bounce back against a Cowboys team (who is playing well). My failed logic is this: The Packers have got to start winning sometime (that offensive line is not helping), and the Cowboys have got to start losing again sometime.
Raiders vs. Chiefs – I just had to put this one in there. For the record, I like the Raiders, but actually hate the Raiders.
