Honestly, as I take a look at this Jaguars team ... I see a "good" team ... but I just don't know that I see a "great" team. Sure on paper they have the #1 Defense in the NFL, but as I look at this team, I'm wondering if seeing a bit of a Macy's float here. Just consider their schedule since Week 6 ...
Week 6 -- vs. Rams (9-3) -- 27-17 Loss
Week 7 -- @ Colts (3-9) -- 27-0 Win
Week 8 -- BYE
Week 9 -- vs. Bengals (5-7) -- 23-7 Win
Week 10 -- vs. Chargers (6-6) -- 20-17 Win (OT)
Week 11 -- @ Browns (0-12) -- 19-7 Win
Week 12 -- @ Cardinals (5-7) -- 27-24 Loss
Week 13 -- vs. Colts (3-9) -- 30-10 Win
Leonard Fournette has been a bit banged up with an ankle injury. He was held to just 25 yards rushing by the Cards ... and then just had 57 yards against the Colts (who aren't exactly known as a run stuffing team). So, I see the Seahawks doing what they do best -- stuffing the run and making this Jags team 1 dimensional. Sheldon Richardson was putting on a clinic against the Eagles, blowing things up, and tossing guys around like a rag doll. If Richardson, Clark, Bennett, and the rest of the Defensive Line can have that same kind of game as last week, then there is no way in the world that I see this Jags team beating the Seahawks.
That to me is the key to the game, as the Hawks are going to force Blake Bortles to beat them. No way. You'd have an easier time convincing me of the existence of alien life on other planets :greetingsearthling: than of Blake Bortles beating the Seattle Seahawks.
I know Calais Campbell is going to be problematic ... but since Duane Brown has come on board, this offensive line has improved immensely. I know that this is the #1 Pass Defense in the League ... but they are going up against arguably the best QB in the NFL in the month of December ...
http://www.seahawks.net/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=143177
In the end, I look for Mr. December to look DangeRuss ... and for Davis to get enough yards on the ground to keep the defense honest. The Jags lost to a Rams team at home that is similar in many ways to us. I'm thinking that's pretty close to what's going to happen here.
I'm calling it ...
Seahawks 24
Jags 13