Mac’s Picks correctly predicted agony for the Giants and Jets last week, reluctantly upping our season record to 7-5.
Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) at New York Giants (2-4)
Sunday 1pm Fox
Brian Daboll is living a charmed life under the radar. Robert Saleh was the local coach on the hot seat and now is being followed by paparazzi in parking lots. His ownership, unlike the ambassador, is not focused on headlines and clicks. This week he is facing an Eagles team led by a coach who is showing signs of self-destruction. Nick Sirianni had the Eagles within a field goal of Kansas City in the Super Bowl two years ago, but last year his team lost 6 of their last 7, including a blowout loss to Tampa Bay in the Wild Card round.
That streak put his coaching and relationship with QB Jalen Hurts under the scrutiny of the Philadelphia’s media and fans. Last week, during the Eagles 20-16 win over Cleveland at Lincoln Financial Field, Sirianni took offense to boos and “Fire Nick” chants and fired back at fans. Sirianni apologized amid criticism, but his actions have put a bullseye on his own back.
If that wasn’t enough to keep everyone from talking about Daboll, how about the fact that Saquon Barkley is returning to MetLife Stadium for the first time as an opponent? Whether you are ok with the fact that he left for a better contract, or you’ve burned his jersey, he’ll have your attention on Sunday. Meanwhile, Daboll gets at least one (Malik Nabers), possibly two (Devin Singletary) weapons back this week as he attempts to get the offense untracked before the general masses notice.
Mac’s Pick – Eagles 21 Giants 17
New York Jets (2-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
Sunday 8:20pm NBC/Peacock
Another week, another prime-time game for America’s most talked about sub-.500 football team. Jeff Ulbrich had his head coaching debut ruined last week by three great defensive plays by Buffalo safety Taylor Rapp, two missed field goals by Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein and one, now famous, mistakenly run route by Jets receiver Mike Williams.
Another week, another savior for the Jets with the arrival of Aaron Rodger’s friend and new roommate Davante Adams. Adams missed the last 3 games for Las Vegas with a hamstring injury but is ready to go on Sunday to give new play caller Todd Downing an embarrassment of riches. Adams joins Garrett Wilson (8 catches last week for 107 yards), Allen Lazard (tied for the lead league with 5 TDs) and Breece Hall (who broke out last week with 169 all-purpose yards).
The Jets face a team that is led by the most underrated coach in professional sports^. Mike Tomlin has a lifetime record of 177-102-2 and has not had a losing record in his 17 years at the helm of the Steelers. They are 4-2 this year with Justin Fields as their QB, yet are switching to veteran Russell Wilson for this week’s game. Tomlin’s street cred makes him hard to question, but I’m sure that Ulbrich will be happy to not have to defend Fields’ legs which have run for 231 yards and 5 TDs (though I would expect to occasionally see Fields in a “wildcat”, or “buckeye”, package).
Mac’s Pick – Jets 24 Steelers 13
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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 (if you don’t believe me, review my previous picks). Use this information at your own risk.
^ IMHO
