Los Angeles Chargers (3-0) at New York Giants (0-3)
Sunday 1p CBS
If you wanted the New York Giants to do what’s in the best long-term interests of Jaxson Dart, the organization and their fans — Russell Wilson or Jameis Winston would be starting this week’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The data is clear, QBs take time to develop. I am on record as saying I would’ve kept Dart on the sidelines until after the Week 14 bye.
If you agree with me, direct your anger at John Mara. He elected to go into the season with a lame duck GM, a lame duck head coach, and a first-round QB. From Brian Daboll’s perspective, if he’s going down, he’s going down with his guy. I can’t blame him. But I can blame Mara for creating this uncomfortable situation.
Having said that, the atmosphere at kickoff tomorrow should be electric. A week ago, the season seemed lost, and now Giants’ fans will have their three favorites — Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers on the field together. The optimism extends to the fact that while the Chargers are undefeated, they are flying cross-country, with a banged up offensive line, to face a QB that will be hard to prepare for.
Smart gamblers will stay away from this game. Too many variables. But since I’m obligated to make a prediction, I think by 4p the Chargers will have zapped the juice out of MetLife.
Los Angeles Chargers 27 New York Giants 14
Mac’s Pick – Chargers -5 1/2
New York Jets (0-3) at Miami Dolphins (0-3)
Monday 7:15p ABC/ESPN
The New York Jets return to prime time this week, though it is going to take another “Monday Night Miracle” for this game to have higher ratings than ABC/ESPN’s second game of their rare double-header between the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos.
On the surface, these are two teams going in opposite directions. Jets fans are showing patience with their new GM Darren Mougey and their charismatic new HC Aaron Glenn. Miami Dolphins fans have had it with their eccentric HC Mike McDaniel. Yet, in the standings, they are both winless.
Through three weeks, both teams have been defensively challenged:
- Gang Green is ranked 21st in yards (340.3) and 29th in points (31.0) per game.
- Miami is ranked 25th in yards (370.3) and dead last in points (32.3) per game.
One of these two fanbases will have hope when they wake up on Tuesday morning. We believe it will be the good guys from Florham Park.
New York Jets 31 Miami Dolphins 24
Mac’s Pick – Jets +2 1/2
MAC’S PICKS SEASON RECORD
Versus the point spread: 3-3
On the money line: 3-3
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.
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