For the third straight time, Madden 16 predicted a game one way, and in real life it happened the exact opposite. Considering how this week's simulation went, that's not a good thing. But, curses are meant to be broken (ask Red Sox fans) and I feel really good that this new 'curse' will end on Sunday.
On the game, the Texans are listed as the better squad. Madden 16 has Houston at a 79 overall, with the Jaguars at a 73.
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That advantage extends to the actual players on the roster as well. The Texans have the top four rated players appearing in Sunday's game, and six of the top eight. The Jaguars have only one player rated in the 90s, punter Bryan Anger (90). The Texans top five players are listed below.
- J.J. Watt (99)
- DeAndre Hopkins (93)
- Duane Brown (91)
- Vince Wilfork (91)
- Arian Foster (90)
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Having Foster back on the actual field is a big boost for Texans, and on Madden that's apparent too. Foster is the sixth best running back, behind only Marshawn Lynch, Le'Veon Bell, Jamaal Charles, Adrian Peterson and DeMarco Murray. The drop off from Foster to backup Alfred Blue is significant, with Blue checking in at a 76 overall. However, Blue's ranking would be tied for the highest in Jacksonville, as that 76 is equal to rookie T.J. Yeldon. Yeldon, a second-round pick in this year's draft, is questionable as of right now for Sunday's game.
The Jaguars have an advantage at the quarterback position, with second-year man Blake Bortles topping all signal callers in Sunday's game with a 79 mark. Madden 16 considers Bortles quite agile, giving him a 79 in that category. Brian Hoyer, who will start for the Texans, has a 74 rating.
Madden Matchup: Texans 41, Jaguars 9
Wow, I was legitimately shocked by this. The Texans received the opening kick, scored a touchdown and never looked back. As you can see from the image below, the virtual Texans caused seven (!) turnovers, and really dominated Jacksonsville in every major category. In real life, Bill O'Brien and Romeo Crennel have talked extensively about causing more turnovers, so they'd be happy campers if this simulation happened on Sunday.
In the sim, Hoyer was efficient, going 17-for-22 and throwing three touchdowns. The 137 rushing yards above would be welcomed on Sunday as well. There's not much to analyze here. Madden 16 not only predicted a win, but a big one. We can only hope they are right. We shall see on Sunday.
