Rico Posted December 23, 2004 Share Posted December 23, 2004 Broncos at Titans Scouts' Edge The Broncos have gone to another "committee" at the running back position and are getting enough production from it to get by, but Plummer is making entirely too many mistakes for the Broncos to win this game. The Titans' running game won't strike much fear into the Broncos' defense, but the Volek-Bennett connection is one of the most potent in the NFL right now. The Titans are a little "pass happy," but in a game where the pressure is on Plummer and the momentum is with Volek, the Titans will play aggressive, wide-open football and put an end to the Broncos season. Ravens at Steelers Scouts' Edge The Steelers haven't played their best football recently and injuries continue to mount on both sides of the ball. However, they still have more tenacity as a team and will have something to prove at home when the only team to previously beat them in 2004 pays a visit. Baltimore has the defense to force Roethlisberger into a few critical mistakes and the running game to penetrate the league's best run defense, but Boller's ineffectiveness continues to haunt the entire team. Without much to worry about vertically, the Steelers can pack it in on defense in order to stuff the run and pressure Boller. The Steelers simply have more offensive balance and a much more effective playmaker at the quarterback position, which will represent the difference in this game and the difference in these two organizations this season. Texans at Jaguars Scouts' Edge Momentum is important in this league and the Jaguars have won two in a row, but the fact that they are playing with confidence isn't the only reason they'll win. Taylor should have another strong game working against a Houston run defense that is ranked in the bottom half of the league, effectively taking pressure off Leftwich. Leftwich will be working against an opportunistic secondary and that's reason for concern because he will try to make too much happen at times. However, expect him to produce enough big plays to make up for any mistakes he makes. Although Davis should also have some success running the football, Jacksonville's superior run defense will put Carr in more obvious throwing scenarios than Leftwich will find himself in. With this game in Jacksonville and considering Carr's recent inconsistency the Jaguars will get the victory in what should be a very close game. Bills at Niners Scouts' Edge Look for Buffalo to get the win even if it's with both McGahee and Henry on the sidelines. Bledsoe will find his playmakers downfield early, effectively keeping San Francisco's defense on its heels and opening up the running game. If Williams starts, he'll be effective enough to help the Bills sustain long drives that allow them to protect that lead in the second half. With the 49ers struggling to run the ball and having to throw in an effort to come back, they will effectively become a one-dimensional passing attack. Buffalo's outstanding defense will be extremely aggressive once this happens and that's a recipe for disaster for San Francisco considering Dorsey's problems protecting the football last week. Patriots at Jets Scouts' Edge The team that has the ball last could very well be the one to get the win. Look for both offenses to run balanced attacks that keep the opposing defenses off balance and allow them to move the ball effectively between the 20s. As a result, each defense will have to find ways to tighten up in the red zone and produce some momentum-shifting plays. In addition, the special teams' units will play critical roles. This is exactly the kind of game that New England generally excels in but their shocking loss to Miami and the Jets' lopsided victory over Seattle may cause its players to lose some confidence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffOrange Posted December 23, 2004 Share Posted December 23, 2004 Well, 3 1/2 out of 5 ain't bad. I'd sign for those outcomes right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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