Mac’s Picks was 1-1 last week, correctly predicting the Jets would lose out west, but mistakenly believing that the Giants were going to be victorious in their first game wearing their viral throw-back jerseys.
NY Giants (0-1) at Washington Commanders (0-1)
Sunday 1p FOX
As shown on “Hard Knocks”, the Giants were very high on LSU’s Jayden Daniels prior to the Commanders grabbing him 2nd overall. We’re sure Giants coaches were a little envious watching last week’s game film, because while Daniels wasn’t perfect in their 37-20 loss to Tampa Bay, he looked every bit the dual threat that scouts predicted. Meanwhile, Daniel Jones had a miserable performance in the Giants 28-6 loss to Minnesota. The numbers showed that Daniels, in his first game, significantly outplayed Jones, in his 61st game:
- QBR (Daniels 41.2; Jones 16.2)
- Rating (Daniels 93.1; Jones 41.2)
One thing Commanders coaches weren’t pleased about is that Daniels ran 16 times. Now, he did gain 88 yards and 2 touchdowns, but long-term, with his slight frame, that could be a recipe for disaster. Which brings us to the key thing to watch in this game, how will the rookie QB fare against the Giants defensive front led by Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence II and Kayvon Thibodeaux?
Let’s face it, it’s hard to get a real read on any team after only one game, but it’s easy to see that the vibes are better in Washington, which should help Daniels get his first career win.
Mac’s Pick – Commanders 24 Giants 10
NY Jets (0-1) at Tennessee Titans (0-1)
Sunday 1p CBS
Last week we expected the Jets to lose, which they did 32-19, but we didn’t expect San Francisco to score on 8 consecutive positions. The Jets defense was not recognizable for most of the game due to its poor tackling and positioning, things that Robert Saleh promises will be fixed before the Jets take the field in Tennessee on Sunday.
Saleh is deservedly on the hot seat this fall because he still has a lot to prove as a Head Coach. However, he is a proven commodity on defense, so we are choosing to believe him. It doesn’t hurt that the opposition’s young QB lost his team’s opener with what he admitted was a “bonehead” play.
Holding a 17-16 lead in the 4th quarter this past Sunday in Chicago, Will Levis attempted a falling, underhand, backhand, scoop pass that resulted in a 43-yard pick-six by the Bears Tyrique Stevenson leading to their 24-17 loss (even my fingers are surprised that they typed “falling, underhand, backhand, scoop pass”). If the Jets are who we think they are, they should easily secure the metropolitan area’s first win of the 2024 NFL season.
Mac’s Pick – Jets 31 Titans 16
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 predict the future. If that’s not obvious yet, check back with us later in the season!
