Could NFL come up with worse Thursday game?
If the NFL wanted its Thursday night prime-time package to go out with a bang, it couldn't have made a worse choice.
The only real interest in this one between the Titans and Jaguars is how it affects the overall top draft pick chase.
With both teams at 2-12 - from the same division, no less, the AFC South - they are in a "race" with Oakland and Tampa Bay for that bottom spot.
Jacksonville rookie quarterback Blake Bortles has a sprained right foot and is questionable. Veteran Chad Henne is the backup.
The visiting Titans will be without their top two QBs, rookie Zach Mettenberger and veteran Jake Locker, both also injured. That means journeyman Charlie Whitehurst gets the assignment.
Yawn!
The Jaguars (No. 29 in AP Pro32), are a 3-point favorite over the Titans (No. 32, AP Pro32).
Look to the hosts. And look elsewhere on the tube for something to watch.
JAGUARS, 15-9
No. 1 New England (minus 10) at No. 27 New York Jets
Patriots can taste that home cooking for the playoffs. Another step toward it.
BEST BET: PATRIOTS, 30-10
No. 25 New York Giants (plus 5) at No. 19 St. Louis
Lukewarm choice, but can't find any other likely ...
UPSET SPECIAL: GIANTS, 20-19
No. 6 Indianapolis (plus 3) at No. 7 Dallas
Cowboys need it far more than do Colts.
COWBOYS, 33-27
No. 3 Denver (minus 3 1-2) at No. 11 Cincinnati
Bengals need it far more than do Broncos. Doesn't matter.
BRONCOS, 27-20
No. 2 Seattle (minus 7 1-2) at No. 5 Arizona
Third-string QB against that Seattle defense? Don't think that works.
SEAHAWKS, 17-6
No. 10 Baltimore (minus 4) at No. 17 Houston
Ravens also get third-string QB, which should mean no problem.
RAVENS, 23-9
No. 24 Atlanta (plus 6 1-2) at No. 20 New Orleans
The little showdown at the Big Easy in the ugly NFC South.
SAINTS, 28-27
No. 4 Green Bay (minus 10 1-2) at No. 30 Tampa Bay
If Packers can't handle this road game, there are serious questions to answer.
PACKERS, 33-10
No. 8 Detroit (minus 4 1-2) at No. 26 Chicago
Lions blow through the Windy City mess.
LIONS, 19-10
No. 9 Philadelphia (minus 8 1-2) at No. 31 Washington, Saturday
Eagles need to win their last two for playoff consideration.
EAGLES, 31-21
No. 15 Kansas City (plus 3) at No. 12 Pittsburgh
Chiefs' meager playoff hopes end in Steel City, but in a tight one.
STEELERS, 20-19
No. 13 Buffalo (minus 5 1-2) at No. 28 Oakland
Bills might keep their postseason hopes barely breathing with a win.
BILLS, 24-13
No. 14 San Diego (plus 2 1-2) at No. 16 San Francisco, Saturday
Can't see 49ers going out with a whimper, so they'll ruin Chargers' season.
49ERS, 21-20
No. 23 Minnesota (plus 6 1-2) at No. 18 Miami
Vikings get to warm up, if nothing else, in South Florida.
DOLPHINS, 20-17
No. 22 Cleveland (OFF) at No. 21 Carolina
If QB Derek Anderson goes, he can get some payback on former team.
PANTHERS, 20-13
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2014 RECORD: Against spread: This week (8-6-1); Season (108-106-5). Straight up: This week (11-5); Season (148-75-1)
Best Bet: 6-9 against spread, 9-6 straight up.
Upset special: 7-8 against spread, 5-10 straight up.
Related gallery: Sports photos of the week
