Mac’s Picks split last week, bringing the season record to 8-6.
New York Jets (2-5) at New England Patriots (1-6)
Sunday 1pm CBS
IF the NFL Draft were held today, the New England Patriots would be drafting first, and the New York Jets would be drafting fifth. The Patriots are in a rebuilding season and would welcome that type of high draft pick, especially if they decide that rookie QB Drake Maye is the long-term answer. That would give them the ability to deal that pick for a package to speed up the rebuild. On the other hand, if the Jets are picking that high, Florham Park will be a Halloween thriller with heads rolling everywhere.
On the field, these teams have been struggling, but off the field they have been entertaining. We all know about the Jets soap opera, which this week included a locker room speech by Davante Adams, literally 5 days and 60 minutes after he first put on the Jets uniform. Adams said he felt compelled to speak because he was upset with the lack of enthusiasm that the Jets showed in last week’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, either Adams is delusional, or that is a major indictment on The Ambassador’s decision to fire Robert Saleh, and the Jets current leaders including Adams’ roommate Aaron Rodgers.
Meanwhile, the Patriots are not used to losing, so the Boston media is having to fill the void by creating controversy. After last week’s loss to Jacksonville, new head coach Jerod Mayo called his team “soft”. That didn’t sit well with Mayo’s old boss Bill Belichick. Of course, the old coach is now in the media, for which he used to scorn, and has been in the news for a dating a young lady who is 48 years his junior, so perhaps it’s fitting that he blasted his former player and assistant. To his credit, Mayo didn’t respond.
On the field, we are not expecting this to be an entertaining game to watch, but the Jets talent should prevail.
Mac’s Pick – Jets 24 Patriots 10
New York Giants (2-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
Monday 8:15pm ABC/ESPN/ESPN+
Sticking with the theme, if the NFL Draft were held today the New York Giants would be selecting 9th and the Pittsburgh Steelers would be 26th. The Giants, and their ownership, remain patient believing that the tandem of Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll will get the job done. Co-owner John Mara, the antithesis of The Ambassador Woody Johnson, has essentially guaranteed them a 4th season together in 2025.
With all the emphasis on the struggles of Daniel Jones and the offense, the Giants have made significant gains on defense. They are currently 12th in points against per game (compared to 26th in 2023) and 12th in average yards against per game (compared to 27th in 2023). Plus, they currently lead the league in sacks with 31, while Dexter Lawrence is the individual leader with 9.
Across the field, we said last week that while we didn’t understand the move back to Russell Wilson at QB, but you question Mike Tomlin at your own risk. It’s only one game, but Wilson seemingly settled everything down and looks to be the leader the Steelers need to stay in serious contention in the AFC.
Mac’s Pick – Steelers 21 Giants 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. Use this information at your own risk.
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