For the Vikings to reach the big game …
Last week, I said Case Keenum needed to keep the team's INT percentage down in the 1.24 neighborhood, which ranked third. Keenum threw two picks — one was his fault — and the percentage climbed to 1.6. Heading into last week, the Vikings were plus-4 in turnovers. The Panthers were minus-6. In the game, the Vikings were minus-2. This team isn't good enough to expect victory when it loses the turnover ratio.
Has 'Sacksonville' arrived in AFC?
Question: Will Jacksonville (9-4) hold off Tennessee (8-5) and win the AFC South? The Jags have their first winning season since 2007. The Titans won at Jacksonville 37-16 in Week 2 and host the Jags in Week 17. But the Titans' loss last week to Arizona gave Jacksonville a cushion. Facing Houston at home and San Francisco on the road, the Jags should be 11-4 heading into Week 17. Answer: Yes.
Did you know?
NumberFire Live was giving Atlanta a 96 percent chance of victory when the Falcons had an eight-point lead and first down inside the New England 25 with 4:40 left in Super Bowl LI.
Three up, three down
Green Bay is 7-6, but going up because Aaron Rodgers is returning. Philadelphia is 11-2, but going down because Carson Wentz is out for the season. Other "up" teams: Bills and Cowboys. Other "down" teams: Titans and (temporarily) Patriots.
Destination Minneapolis Week 15 forecast
Jacksonville vs. L.A. Rams
The Jags play Houston at home while New England travels to Pittsburgh. If the Jags and Patriots win, Jacksonville moves within a game of having the AFC's best record. Meanwhile, in the NFC, Philly (11-2) lost Carson Wentz, and the Vikings (10-3) have mounting injuries on the O-line.
Why Jacksonville (9-4)? The Jags have a swagger, not to mention a sack-happy defense that ranks No. 1 in scoring (15.5) There's also that 30-9, five-interception beatdown win at Pittsburgh in Week 5.
Why Los Angeles (9-4)? Only twice have the Rams failed to score 20 points. They've scored 32 or more in eight of 13 games. They rank No. 2 in scoring (30.5).
My preseason pick: Seattle (8-5) vs. Pittsburgh (11-2). Seattle was lucky to get out of Jacksonville with a loss and no suspensions. The Steelers escaped again as Ben Roethlisberger topped 500 yards vs. the Ravens.
