NFL Week 8 Underdog Pick of the Week

The win-less Tennessee Titans will try to get into the victory column on Sunday in Nashville against AFC South rival Jacksonville. The Jaguars will be looking for a rare sweep of the season series between the two squads after their earlier home victory over Tennessee. The Titans are a field goal favorite for the week 8 contest.

1.) Jaguars in playoff contention 

After reaching the playoffs in 2007, the Jags stumbled to a 5-11 mark in 2008. With a 3-3 record in 2009, the Jaguars are just a half a game behind the Jets and Texans in the AFC wild card race entering Sunday’s contest. The upcoming schedule is quite favorable for Jacksonville. Their next seven games are against teams that have lost three or more games this season. So, there is a real chance for Jacksonville to get on a roll with a win against Tennessee. 

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2.) A bye week

The Jaguars had a bye last week to regroup after a couple of mediocre efforts entering their off week. In week 5, the Jags were shutout in Seattle. In week 6, Jacksonville nearly lost at home to the win-less Rams. The break should enable Jacksonville to regain some focus in this week’s contest.

3.) A balanced offense

The Jacksonville offense is able to attack through the air and on the ground. The Jaguars have the NFL’s 11th-ranked total offense and are in the top half of the league in passing and rushing. Jacksonville should be able to attack a Tennessee defense that is last in the NFL in scoring defense and next to last in total defense.

4.) Jaguars have confidence from earlier victory

In their week 4 meeting in Jacksonville, the Jaguars dominated in a 37-17 victory. The Jacksonville offense rolled up 442 yards in the win. Quarterback David Garrard delivered his best game of the season by completing 27-of-37 passes for 323 yards and three touchdown strikes. The defense stepped up to force three turnovers against the Tennessee offense.

5.) Titans in turmoil

It has been a remarkable turnaround for the Titans in 2009. The club started 10-0 in 2008 and finished the year with the NFL’s best regular season record. Now, the Titans are at the bottom of the NFL landscape with the Rams and Buccaneers as the league’s three win-less squads entering week 8’s action. Even with a bye of their own in week 7, it is going to be difficult for Tennessee to regain any type of focus this week. The Titans have been used to being in the playoff race. In 2009, the club is out of the race already. The home fans aren’t used to seeing losing football. The crowd will likely turn against their team at the first sign of trouble on Sunday on the heels of Tennessee’s embarrassing 59-0 loss at New England in their last effort. As the underdog, Jacksonville will be eager to jump on the reeling Titans and gain another win over one of their biggest rivals.

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