Welcome to “Mac’s Picks for Week 11”.
Normally, I bemoan the Thursday Night games because I have to get my picks in early. But after last week’s disastrous showing—0-2 vs the spread, 1-1 on the moneyline, 0-1 with my bonus pick—I’m happy to get back on the horse.
New York Jets (2-7) at New England Patriots (8-2)
Thursday 8:15p Prime Video
In a case of “do what I say, not as I do”, New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn tells his players to block “the outside noise”. Yet, Glenn hears everything. On Monday morning, he told the media that he was waiting on imaging to give an update on WR Garrett Wilson’s knee injury. Later Monday afternoon, ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported that a source told him that Wilson will be out 3-4 weeks.
On Tuesday morning, Glenn responded by refusing to talk about injuries. He told the assembled media to “ask Rich”. Since Cimini was not present, and more importantly, Glenn’s request was ridiculous, the media pressed him. He left the podium without addressing any injuries. Also, regarding his quarterback situation, he said, “Between the players and myself, we know exactly who’s going to be the quarterback.” Glenn added, “I just don’t have to tell you guys that.”
Is Glenn confused about the role of the media? Does he not realize that assembled press is simply a conduit between the organization and the fans that pay his salary? No, that can’t be the case. Glenn is an NFL veteran on every level — player, scout, assistant, head coach.
Instead, I believe that Glenn is sparring with the media as a way of showing his team that he has their back. Justin Fields, deservedly, took a lot of heat after abysmal showings against the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers. Glenn’s “act” is taking the pressure off of Fields and placing the media’s attention directly on Glenn.
Now, with added attention that came from the Jets’ major deadline trades, and buoyed by winning two consecutive games, Glenn has stepped up his deflection campaign by trying to pick a fight with Cimini. On one hand, Glenn promised transparency when he was introduced as the Jets head coach. On the other, he opens too many sentences with, “I’m going to be honest with you…” for me to believe he’s above playing mind games.
Does it matter? Big picture — no, it does not. Glenn talks weekly to the guy who coined the (now) cliché’ “you are what your record says you are”. In the long run he’s going to be judged on wins and losses and not his press-conference performances.
Personally, I think it’s silly, and it’s not going to help the Jets defeat the surging New England Patriots in Foxboro.
New England Patriots 34 New York Jets 17
Mac’s Pick — Patriots (-13 ½)
Green Bay Packers (5-3-1) at New York Giants (2-8)
Sunday 1p FOX
As I wrote here in “Around NYC: 10 Teams, 4 Sports, One City”, John Mara made a huge mistake this offseason not extending or firing Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen. It’s malpractice to let one regime pick a franchise QB and then fire the head coach midway through the kid’s promising rookie season.
Now, let’s face it, with the team sitting at 2-8, with Jaxson Dart out with a concussion, and with Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo on the sidelines until 2026, the only thing worth watching this week will be Jameis Winston’s post-game news conference.
Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers have stumbled these last two weeks, scoring only 20 points combined in losses to the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles. They are currently in third place in the competitive NFC North — a half-game behind the Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a half-game ahead of the Minnesota Vikings.
Green Bay Packers 24 New York Giants 13
Mac’s Pick — Packers (-7 ½)
MAC’S PICKS SEASON RECORD
Versus the point spread: 7-12
On the moneyline: 9-10
Bonus picks: 1-1
MAC’S PICKS DISCLAIMER
Mac’s Picks is written for entertainment purposes only. While “Mac” comes from gambling lineage, he knows he can’t actually predict the future. Therefore, use this information at your own risk.
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