Welcome to “Mac’s Picks for Week 10”.
Cleveland Browns (2-6) at New York Jets (1-7)
Sunday 1p CBS
The national media has been focused on the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room all year:
- Deshaun Watson is still recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon and has yet to be cleared to practice.
- Kenny Pickett arrived in March from the Philadelphia Eagles but was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in August.
- Joe Flacco returned to Cleveland as a free agent in April, started their first four games in September, and was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals in October.
- Dillion Gabriel arrived in the third-round of the NFL Draft from Oregon and has started the last four games.
- Fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders is now #2 on the depth chart, but he has yet to take an NFL snap.
With all of that attention on the QB’s, it’s easy to overlook the fact that the Browns have a strong defense led by DE Myles Garrett. The six-time All-Pro has 10 sacks and 15 tackles for a loss this season. Of course, that includes his 5-sack effort against the New England Patriots on October 26. A stat so ridiculous — I had to check it three times to make sure it wasn’t a typo.
As a whole, the Browns defense is ranked third in the league giving up only 276.9 yards per game. They’ll provide Justin Fields (or Tyrod Taylor in the unlikely event Aaron Glenn gives him the start) with a much tougher test than the Bengals did prior to the bye-week.
Cleveland Browns 17 New York Jets10
Mac’s Pick — Browns (-2 ½ )
New York Giants (2-7) at Chicago Bears (5-3)
Sunday 1p FOX
The Chicago Bears are coming off a thrilling 47-42 win over the Bengals that encapsulated the first eight games of Ben Johnson’s head coaching career. The Bears have a rising offense that is ranked sixth in the NFL with 26.9 points per game. Defensively? They are currently 29th — giving up 28.4 points per game.
On the other side of the field, Brian Daboll has eight games left to convince Owner John Mara, and General Manager Joe Schoen that he deserves to come back for a fifth season in 2026. He’s going to need to find a way to protect Jaxson Dart and jumpstart the New York Giants running game without Cam Skattebo.
My Real Take is that the Bears are gaining confidence and will grab their sixth win. As a bonus pick, take the over.
Chicago Bears 31 New York Giants 21
Mac’s Pick — Bears (-4 ½)
Bonus Pick – Over (46 ½)
MAC’S PICKS SEASON RECORD
Versus the point spread: 7-10
On the money line: 8-9
Bonus picks: 1-0
MAC’S PICKS DISCLAIMER
Mac’s Picks is written for entertainment purposes only. While “Mac” comes from gambling lineage, he’s only placed four football bets since 1989. He may think he’s fully qualified to scout and draft players, make free agent signings, negotiate trades and develop game strategy — but knows he can’t actually predict the future. Therefore, use this information at your own risk.
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