Welcome to “Mac’s Picks for Week 10.”
Washington Commanders (2-5-1) at New York Giants (5-2-1)
Thursday 8:15p Prime Video
In 1963, the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers played two games against each other without a victor. They played to a 21-21 tie on September 15 and a 20-20 tie on December 1. I’m not completely confident in my prediction below, but I am confident that the New York Giants and Washington Commanders will not “tie” that record in prime time on Thursday night.
These two teams played to an ugly deadlock on October 11 in a game remembered for Cam Skattebo’s OT fumble, and Jayden Daniels taking a sack rather than killing the clock and trying the game-winning field goal. Since the game, the Giants have gone 2-1 and sit atop the NFC East, while the Commanders have dropped two out of three and sit three games out of first place with nine games remaining.
The game within the game features two Ohio State Buckeye rookie linebackers vying for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. #5 overall Arvell Reese has 68 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception in his first 8 games for Big Blue. Across the field, #7 overall Sonny Styles has 67 tackles, 1 sack, 4 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception in the same number of contests.
Washington Commanders 27 New York Giants 21
Mac’s Pick — Commanders (+2.5)
Buffalo Bills (7-1) at New York Jets (2-7)
Sunday 1p CBS
The New York Jets had a quiet trade deadline, only dealing little-used safety Andre Cisco to the Detroit Lions for a sixth-round draft choice. My Real Take is that was the correct decision for multiple reasons. Let’s start with the very real possibility that they will be trying to recruit a head coach in January. Retaining Breece Hall, Will McDonald, and Garrett Wilson makes Gang Green more attractive.
Also, trading Geno Smith would hurt the development of Braelon Allen, Omar Cooper Jr, Kenyon Sadiq, and Mason Taylor. Plus, while I am expecting Cade Klubnik to see some action in December/January, it is way too early to throw the fourth-round pick to the wolves. It’s a good sign that Woody Johnson let GM Darren Mougey keep the big picture in mind rather than going for a quick headline and a few mid-round picks.
Meanwhile, our upstate neighbors are not worried about recruiting coaches or draft picks. They are three wins shy of winning at least 10 games for the eighth consecutive season during the Josh Allen era. The Bills QB is sporting a 76.0 QBR, which would be the second-highest of his career. The 2024 NFL MVP is considered one of the favorites, along with Joe Burrow and Brock Purdy, to win it again.
Buffalo Bills 34 New York Jets 20
Mac’s Pick — Bills (-8.5)
MAC’S PICKS SEASON RECORD
Versus the point spread: 8-9
On the moneyline: 10-6-1
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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