NFL Sunday: Jaguars, Texans, Bears, Vikings, Colts and Titans live on Sky Sports
Sky Sports NFL Sunday previews are powered by the guys at Pro Football Focus; watch live on Sky Sports Action from 5pm, with Redzone on Sky Sports Mix from 6pm
Monday 31 December 2018 01:25, UK
We preview Sundays night's NFL triple-header, featuring the Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans, Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans.
We are live on Sky Sports Action from 5pm for an hour's build-up to the first game of the night. Here is a look ahead to what you can expect...
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans, KO 6pm
Form guide
Jacksonville (5-10) have arguably been the most disappointing team in the NFL. After narrowly missing out on reaching the Super Bowl last season, and a 3-1 start this year, the Jags imploded. They lost seven straight after that bright start and simply do not look like the same dominating outfit they were in 2017. This game does not mean much to them, apart from a chance to lower Houston's playoff seeding.
The Texans (10-5), remarkably, can end up being the No 1 seed with home-field advantage for the playoffs, a first-round bye as the second seed, a home game in the Wild Card round, or a road game - but they are at least already assured of a postseason berth. Unlike Jacksonville, they started slow (0-3) before then rattling off nine wins in a row to jump to a division lead. A win will guarantee a home game at least, while a loss means the winner of our late game would pip them to the AFC South title.
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Stat Attack
Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has been sacked 56 times in the 2018 season. If he is taken down four more times, it will be the first 60-sack season since Jon Kitna of the 2006 Detroit Lions. Ryan Tannehill was sacked 58 times in 2013, the most in the last 12 seasons.
Key battle
Ones to watch
The Jaguars only had one player named to the Pro Bowl, Jalen Ramsey, and he is worth watching if only for his loud-mouth, trash-talking style. He is a pretty great cover corner too.
Leonard Fournette is questionable for the game, so the lone offensive bright spot for Jacksonville is Dede Westbrook. The sophomore has 63 catches, 707 yards and five touchdowns as a receiver, and took a punt return back all the way against the Redskins two weeks ago.
There are too many Texans stars to do justice, but it starts with Deshaun Watson. Last week, he was outstanding with four total touchdowns against the Eagles and, since Week Seven, he has thrown 17 passing scores and just two interceptions. His top target is DeAndre Hopkins, who has 103 receptions in 2018, his second career season with 100-plus catches.
J.J. Watt is in the running for Comeback Player of the Year, and has 14.5 sacks this season. He needs a half sack to join Hall of Famer Reggie White (5) as the only players since 1982 with four-plus seasons with 15-plus sacks. With him on the defensive line, one-man wrecking crew Jadeveon Clowney has 52 tackles for losses since 2016, tied for third-most in the league.
Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings, KO 9.25pm
Form guide
Chicago (11-4) do not need a win as much as the Vikings do, but they still have a chance of securing a first-round bye after already clinching their first NFC North title since 2010. Their defense has been dominant - largely due to the addition of Khalil Mack - and head coach Matt Nagy has got the best out of quarterback Mitch Trubisky. If the Bears win and the Rams lose to the 49ers, Chicago will become the No 2 seed in the NFC.
The Vikings (8-6-1) go out knowing if they win, they are in. This will be a massive test for this team. So far this season, they have only beaten one team that currently has a winning record (Philadelphia) but have lost all of their games to playoff opposition (Rams, Saints, Bears, Patriots and Seahawks). Can they handle the Bears if Chicago play their first-teamers all game?
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Stat Attack
Vikings receiver Adam Thielen is just the third undrafted WR in the common draft era with 100-plus catches and 1,300-plus receiving yards in a single season.
Ones to watch
I would tune in just to watch Khalil Mack destroy offensive linemen on the way to the backfield - he has 12.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, 18 QB hits and 10 tackles for losses in 13 games this season. More defensive standouts include Akiem Hicks, Roquan Smith and Eddie Jackson.
On offense for Chicago, watch out for 'The Human Joystick' Tarik Cohen. He is electrifying with the ball in his hands.
The Vikings are built similarly, with pass-rush specialists Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen getting after the QB, top-quality linebackers excelling against the run and in coverage, and ball-hawks in the secondary. Cornerback Mackensie Alexander is playing at an elite level.
Minnesota also come into their own when Dalvin Cook is on the field, and he has averaged 6.11 yards per carry over the last month. He takes the pressure off Kirk Cousins, as do receivers Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. Tight end Kyle Rudolph came up with a miracle touchdown in Detroit and may be relied upon again in this match-up.
Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans, KO 1.20am
Form guide
All to play for in this one. The winner of the game locks up a playoff spot, and the loser is done for the season. Both teams could take Houston's place at the top of the AFC South if the Texans lose, and Tennessee could even secure a first-round bye with losses for New England and Baltimore.
Indianapolis (9-6) have had the most miraculous turnaround, winning eight of their last nine after a 1-5 start. Andrew Luck is firing on all cylinders - 36 touchdowns so far - and a much-improved defense, led by rookie linebacker Darius Leonard, has been key for first-year head coach Frank Reich. A turnaround from 4-12 to making the playoffs would be outstanding.
The Titans (9-6) will either make the playoffs or fall to their third 9-7 season in a row. They have remarkably stuck around despite having the sixth-worst scoring offense in the league (19.5 points per game) but it is because their scoring D is so good (18.0, second-best). Tennessee are riding a hot streak, having won four in a row and allowing just 11.75 points per game in that span.
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Stat Attack
In his career, Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has faced the Titans 10 times. He has won on all 10 occasions. Since 1970, only John Elway also has 10 wins and no losses against one opponent (Patriots).
Key battle
Ones to watch
There has been no greater surprise package this season than second-round rookie linebacker Darius Leonard. He leads the NFL with a tremendous 155 tackles, and has added seven sacks too.
On the subject of Colts' rookies, guard Quenton Nelson has been dominating in the trenches. Indianapolis have given up a league-low 17 sacks and it has been a large part of why Andrew Luck has thrown the second-most touchdowns in the NFL this season. Favourite target T.Y. Hilton has hauled in just six of them, but has racked up 1,209 yards and 74 catches in 13 games - expect him to be targeted heavily.
Tennessee have been rejuvenated offensively behind running back Derrick Henry, who has managed 238, 170 and 84 yards respectively in the last three weeks, along with eight touchdowns in their last four outings - all wins. Expect them to ride him and attempt to control time of possession.
Safety Kevin Byard has been great for the Titans. He had an interception last week, and leads the NFL with 12 picks since 2017.
@PFF will provide a host of in-depth analysis throughout the season across Sky Sports platforms including our live co verage on Sunday and throughout our weekly build-up and reaction on www.skysports.com/NFL
