Mac’s Picks has had an up-and-down start to season. We’re 4-4 on Jets games, 5-3 on Giants games for a cumulative record of 9-7 on the moneyline.
Houston Texans (6-2) at New York Jets (2-6)
Thursday 8:15p Amazon Prime Video
Another week, another prime-time game for the most overhyped, under performing NFL team in recent memory. The old saying is true, fool me once and it’s on you, fool me twice and it’s on me. Have you seen the “Let’s Unretire” commercial with Dan Marino, Randy Moss, Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith. IF all 4 of those guys suit up in Jets uniforms next year, they should still be playing on Sundays at 1p where this franchise currently belongs.
Of course, while the NFL might regret all the prime-time games it awards the Jets, Vegas still has faith, as somehow the Jets are 2-point favorites in this game. Perhaps it’s because Greg Zuerlein has been placed on injured reserve and the Jets will have Riley Patterson as their new kicker? Maybe it’s because Aaron Rodgers has discovered the “fountain of youth” by drinking cayenne pepper and water?
Last year, the Texans were 4-4 before they got rolling, winning 6 of their last 9 games and blowing out the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the playoffs. They’ve continued their winning ways in the first half of this season, though they do have injury concerns now that prized off-season acquisition Stefon Diggs has been placed on injured reserve. CJ Stroud is having a solid sophomore season and their defense is ranked 2nd in yards against (the Jets, surprisingly, are ranked 4th).
We predict that the Jets defense steps it up this week to keep it close. If the Jets do pull it out, they’ll still be able to dream about making a run.
Mac’s Pick – Texans 20 Jets 17
Washington Commanders (6-2) at New York Giants (2-6)
Sunday 1p Fox
While the Jets face 2023 2nd overall pick CJ Stroud, the Giants get 2024 2nd overall pick Jayden Daniels who is coming off a miracle win. He threw a 52 yard “Hail Mary” to Noah Brown as time expired, to beat 2024 1st overall pick Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears 18-15. Daniels, like Stroud a year ago, has been spectacular in his rookie season and is even garnering support for MVP.
The Commanders beat the Giants 21-18 in Week 2 and are on pace for their first double-digit win season since 2013. Offensively, they are ranked 3rd in total yards per game and 3rd in total points per game. Most impressively, especially with a young QB, they have a +4 turnover ratio which ranks 8th in the league. For comparison purposes, the Giants are -3.
We’ve been saying that Brian Daboll has been living a charmed life under the radar. But now that the Liberty had their parade, the Yankees and Mets have their Dodgers regrets, and the shine has clearly come off the Jets, Daboll should get some attention in November. After Sunday’s game, the Giants have a winnable game coming up in Munich, Germany against Carolina, followed by a home game against Tampa Bay and then they get to play in the annual Thanksgiving game in Dallas.
John Mara may have promised Daboll and Joe Schoen another season, but the fans and media are under no such obligations to do so. If the Giants continue to struggle, expect boo birds at MetLife and chants for “Tommy Cutlets” to replace Daniel Jones.
Mac’s Pick – Commanders 27 Giants 10
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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.
