Last week, I was guilty of underestimating Aaron Glenn’s ability to lose games his team should win, and John Harbaugh’s ability to win games his team should lose.
This week, the first-place New York Giants get the week off, putting all of New York’s attention squarely on the embattled Jets head coach. Gang Green is a home favorite for the second week in a row. Will I be able to trust them after last week’s disaster
Welcome to “Mac’s Picks for Week 8.”
Las Vegas Raiders (3-4) at New York Jets (2-5)
Sunday 1p FOX
Want some good news, Jets fans? In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders selected RB Ashton Jeanty out of Boise State with the sixth overall draft pick. While he’s had a very good start to his NFL career — 1303 rushing yards, 658 receiving yards, 14 total touchdowns — his selection opened the door for Gang Green to select RT Armand Membou with the next selection.
Membou joined Jeanty on the 2025 PFWA All-Rookie Team, and has only given up three sacks in his first 24 NFL games. The second-year player is one of the three building blocks the Jets have up front along with LT Olu Fashanu and RG Joe Tippmann. Of course, I tell you this to distract you from the fact that the Jets at 2-5 are a loss or two away from playing out the string.
In the summer, we stated we weren’t worried about wins and losses. We just wanted to see the Jets evolve into a functional, competitive football team. While it’s night and day compared to last year’s tank job, the lack of execution in key situations makes it difficult to have faith that Glenn and his staff can turn things around.
Having said that, I’m going to go back to the well one more time. I believe the Jets have more overall talent than the Raiders at this point in their respective rebuilds. I also think Geno Smith will be motivated against his former team. Does that mean the Jets will be efficient in the red zone? Does it mean they will score at the end of the first half? I have no idea. But I’m closing my eyes, crossing my fingers, and picking the Jets.
New York Jets 27 Las Vegas Raiders 23
Mac’s Pick — Jets (-1.5)
MAC’S PICKS SEASON RECORD
Versus the point spread: 7-7
On the moneyline: 8-5-1
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.