After sweeping last week, Mac’s Picks is 15-11 overall (9-4 on Giants games and 6-7 on Jets games).
Baltimore Ravens (8-5) at New York Giants (2-11)
Sunday 1p CBS
New York football fans can look longingly at the Ravens sideline, as John Harbaugh is on pace to make the playoffs for the 12th time in his 17 years. During that time, the Ravens won less than 8 games once, when they went 5-11 back in 2015. The Ravens still have a chance to defend their division crown as they trail the Pittsburgh Steelers by two games and play them next Sunday. Therefore, IF the Ravens win and the Steelers lose on SNF to the 11-win Philadelphia Eagles, that would set up a game for first place.
Now, you may ask why I capitalized the word “IF” in the sentence above. I’m not sure I can answer that question. Perhaps it’s out of habit, or a desire to not be presumptuous, or out of respect for the Giants fan who took the time to read this post. However, as much as I get the factual evidence behind “any given Sunday”, I really can’t make a realistic case for why this game will be even slightly competitive. Next fall, when we start making our picks with the point spread, we will advise to stay away from games like this, but right now, the 16-point spread seems to be right on the money.
Mac’s Pick – Ravens 31 Giants 15
New York Jets (3-10) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-10)
Sunday 1p FOX
Thinking back to the 2021 NFL Draft, what’s the bigger surprise, that Trevor Lawrence is an average starting QB, or that the other 4 QBs selected in the Top 15 are all backups on their second teams? Without a doubt, it’s Lawrence, who was considered “can’t miss” at a level just below John Elway, Peyton Manning & Andrew Luck. Lawrence flashed in year two, sneaking the Jaguars into the playoffs, throwing 25 TDs against just 7 INTs and making the Pro Bowl. However, he has taken a major step back the last two years. In 2023 his QBR rank was 17th, and his QB Rating rank was 23rd. This season, his QBR rank is 16th, and his QB Rating rank is 27th.
Considering the fact that Lawrence is 25 years old and signed a 5-year, $275m contract extension with the Jaguars this past summer, it is fair to say that he has been a bigger disappointment than Aaron Rodgers who at least has age (41), injury (coming back from a torn Achilles) and dysfunction (to which he is not innocent) to blame for his dismal ranks (25th in QBR, and 20th in QB Rating). With Lawrence out for the season with a concussion, he will be replaced by the 5th QB selected in 2021, former Patriot Mac Jones who is 5-0 as a starter against the Jets. While it would be good for the Jets draft prospects for that streak to continue, the Jets offense has averaged over 24 points the last three weeks, and we don’t think the Jags can top that without Lawrence.
Mac’s Pick – Jets 24 Jaguars 13
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!
Disclaimer: Mac’s Picks is written for entertainment purposes only. “Mac” is not a professional prognosticator and doesn’t claim to be able to able to predict the future. Use this information at your own risk.
