Our beloved football teams enjoyed a storybook opening weekend, only to have their souls crushed for different reasons in Week 2. The New York Jets played another solid game against the Green Bay Packers, earning a 17-7 lead early in the 4th Quarter. Unfortunately, a series of questionable decisions led to a 20-17 OT defeat.
While Jets fans filed out of MetLife Stadium uttering that annoying “same-old” excuse, their disappointment was trumped by what New York Giants fans felt Monday night watching Jaxson Dart go down with a knee injury, and on Tuesday afternoon when word broke that he would need season-ending surgery.
The Jets couldn’t finish, and the Giants had bad luck. We predict how they will respond when Aaron Glenn returns to Detroit and Brian Daboll returns to New York. Welcome to “Mac’s Picks for Week 3.”
New York Jets (1-1) at Detroit Lions (1-1)
Sunday 1p FOX
The Detroit Lions might be the perfect tonic for a Jets team looking to flush last week. Yes, I’m aware that Detroit has won 46 games since the beginning of 2022. I’m also aware that they have one of the league’s most explosive offenses led by RB Jahmyr Gibbs (299 scrimmage yards, 3 TDs), QB Jared Goff (6 TDs, 0 INTs), and WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (19 catches, 209 yards, 4 TDs).
However, the road trip to Michigan gives Demario Davis and the rest of Gang Green’s leaders a chance to use Aaron Glenn’s return to Ford Field as a rallying point. Glenn’s defense is off to a hot start despite getting only six snaps out of three key offseason acquisitions — Minkah Fitzpatrick (6), Joseph Ossai (0), and D’Angelo Ponds (0).
It’s only two games, but with Glenn calling plays the Jets are sixth in the league, giving up only 15 points per game. Meanwhile, Detroit is fourth in scoring at 31 points per game. I’m expecting an entertaining game and predicting the Jets steal a win for their head coach.
New York Jets 31 Detroit Lions 28
Mac’s Pick — Jets (+6.5)
Tennessee Titans (0-2) at New York Giants (1-1)
Sunday 1p CBS
Save your money! I’m committed to making a prediction on every Giants football game, but if you bet real money on NFL games, lay off this one. Jameis Winston, 32, looked competent in his three-game cameo last season. Big Blue showed their confidence in him by extending his contract earlier this month. That’s why his poor performance on Monday night was shocking. Can he bounce back?
Sunday’s game will also mark the return of former head coach Brian Daboll, who is now running the offense for Robert Saleh’s Tennessee Titans. If Malik Nabers (shoulder) and Andrew Thomas (groin) are able to go, I believe Winston will be able to piece together enough offense to eke out a win against an inferior team.
Despite my tepid optimism, if you have the urge to gamble your hard-earned money, look elsewhere. Take a pause to see if Winston’s 2026 debut was a blip on the radar or a sign that he is close to being washed.
New York Giants 17 Tennessee Titans 13
Mac’s Pick — Giants (-2.5)
MAC’S PICKS SEASON RECORD
Versus the point spread: 2-1
On the moneyline: 2-1
MAC’S PICKS DISCLAIMER
Mac’s Picks is written for entertainment purposes only. While “Mac” comes from gambling lineage, he knows he can’t actually predict the future. Therefore, use this information at your own risk.
ICYMI “New York Jets Season Outlook: Can They Take Flight Without a Safety Net”