The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde was published in 1886. Our local football teams delivered an updated version these past two weeks.
Although they lost on a last-minute field goal, the New York Jets came out flying in a promising Week One. They followed that up with a total no-show in Week 2. The New York Giants no-showed in Week One but responded with an electrifying performance in Week 2. Alas, they also lost on a field goal, this one in OT.
The only thing worse than each team’s 0-2 record is that Mac’s Picks is 1-3 against the point spread, and a woeful 1-3 on the Moneyline. Can either team — or yours truly — turn it around?
New York Jets (0-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)
Sunday 1p FOX
We were expecting inconsistency from the Jets offense, but the defense’s efforts through two weeks has been indefensible. The Jets are giving 337 yards per game (22nd in the league) and 32.0 points per game (30th in the league). Needless to say, if Gang Green’s defense doesn’t turn it around quickly, it won’t matter who is under center for the green and white.
Tyrod Taylor will get the start for the Jets with Justin Fields sidelined by a concussion. The 35-year-old will be starting for his seventh team since he was drafted in 2011. In his Buffalo prime (2015-17), he was an above average dual-threat QB, finishing 8th, 9th, and 16th in QBR. Over the last 8 years he’s excelled in a mentor/reserve role, although his brittleness makes former Jet Chad Pennington seem like an ironman.
Ironically, Taylor got injured while playing in a Thursday Night Football game for the Cleveland Browns against the Jets on September 20, 2018. When he left, Baker Mayfield made his triumphant NFL debut by sparking the Browns to 21-17 victory. Mayfield, on his fourth team at the age of 30, has finally found a home in Tampa. The Bucs are 2-0 and the early favorites to win their fifth consecutive NFC South crown.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24 New York Jets 20
Mac’s Pick – Jets +6 ½
Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) at New York Giants (0-2)
Sunday 8:20p NBC/Peacock
Even Vice President JD Vance has concerns about NFL officials when it comes to the Kansas City Chiefs. No wonder conspiracy theorists believe that there is no chance the league will allow the Chiefs to fall to 0-3 on Sunday Night Football. Then again, playing the Giants does help.
If you thought the Jets’ numbers were bad on defense, the Giants have given up 455 yards (31st in the league) and 30.5 points per game (tied for 28th). This is probably a good game for Taylor Swift to attend. Expect plenty of cutaways to Travis Kelce’s fiancée, conveniently promoting her new album. Please note that the NFL did not request that I share the fact that you can pre-order “The Life of a Showgirl” now.
Kansas City Chiefs 31 New York Giants 17
Mac’s Pick – Chiefs -6 ½
MAC’S PICKS SEASON RECORD
Versus the point spread: 1-3
On the money line: 1-3
MAC’S PICKS DISCLAIMER
Mac’s Picks is written for entertainment purposes only. While “Mac” comes from gambling lineage, he’s only placed three football bets since 1989. He may think he’s fully qualified to scout and draft players, make free agent signings, negotiate trades and develop game strategy — but knows he can’t actually predict the future. Therefore, use this information at your own risk.
Want to know the score of the Jets or Giants game before it happens? Visit us every week during football season for the return of Mac’s Picks!