Last week I took heat for my Giants/Chargers prediction. I probably deserved it for picking the Chargers to win the game (though who could’ve predicted the Bolts would lose OT Joe Alt), but I never said that Jaxson Dart was not a good quarterback.
To reiterate, I feel all rookie QBs would benefit from watching early in their career. If I was a GM, they would not see the field in Year One. Period, end of story. I would want to increase the odds that my first-round pick makes an impact for my team, not his third team (Daniel Jones in Indianapolis), or his fourth team (Baker Mayfield in Tampa, Sam Darnold last year in Minnesota), or his fifth team (Darnold this year in Seattle).
Unfortunately, Giants ownership decided to enter this season with a lame-duck GM, a lame-duck HC, and a rookie QB. Under those circumstances, no one can blame Daboll for making what he hopes is a season (and job) saving decision. But now if the Giants don’t turn their season around, there’s a strong chance that next spring Dart is introducing himself to a new head coach while learning a new offensive system.
To summarize, I felt that the Giants, Jaxson Dart and their fans would have been better served with Russell Wilson or Jameis Winston playing until at least the Week 14 bye.
New York Giants (1-3) at New Orleans Saints (0-4)
Sunday 1p CBS
Back in April, during the 2025 NFL Draft process, most scouts believed that Dart (25th overall) had more upside than the New Orleans Saints second round draft pick Tyler Shough (40th overall). But having played parts of seven seasons at Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville, Shough, 26, was considered the more ‘pro-ready’ option.
That perception, plus their winless start, has put added pressure on Saints’ head coach Kellen Moore to make the switch from second-year QB Spencer Rattler. However, considering the way that the Giants defense broke out against the Chargers, Moore is making the prudent decision to keep him on the bench for at least another week.
QBs, like Dart, get all the headlines, but the Giants’ other rookie Abdul Carter is coming off his own personal breakout game.He was named Pro Football Focus Rookie of the Week after delivering 8 pressures, 5 QB hits, 3 tackles and a ½ sack against the banged-up Chargers.
Dexter Lawrence is banged up himself, but if Carter, Brian Burns (tied for the league lead with 5 sacks) and Kayvon Thibodeaux (2 ½ sacks) can rattle Rattler, that will allow Dart to stay within himself.
New York Giants 24 New Orleans Saints 14
Mac’s Pick — Giants (-2 ½)
Dallas Cowboys (1-2-1) at New York Jets (0-4)
Sunday 1p Fox
From my perspective, the New York Jets outplayed the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week One, losing because of a costly turnover and two undisciplined penalties. Since then, despite two other one possession losses, they have not come close to playing a full 60 minutes. And the turnovers, undisciplined penalties, and spotty defense continue.
The previous three years under Robert Saleh, the Jets had a perennial Top 10 defense. That’s why you hoped the Steelers game was an aberration. But it has not improved as the Jets currently rank 29th in points against (30 per game). Plus, injuries continue to mount with Michael Carter, Marcellino McCrary-Ball, and Quincy Williams out, and Jermaine Johnson doubtful.
The Dallas Cowboys were not a defensive juggernaut with Micah Parsons, but now they are horrible. They currently rank 31st in points against (33 per game) and last in yards against (420.5 per game). On the flip side, the Cowboys rank 5th in points for (28.5 per game) and first in total yards (404.3 per game).
Which brings me to my question — what does Vegas know that we don’t? How can the over/under only be 48 ½ when neither of these teams have been able to stop the proverbial nosebleed? The game itself is a coin flip and I would advise you to save your money — but go ahead and use Monday’s lunch money to bet the over!
Dallas Cowboys 31 New York Jets 28
Mac’s Pick – Cowboys (-1 ½)
MAC’S PICKS SEASON RECORD
Versus the point spread: 3-5
On the money line: 3
MAC’S PICKS DISCLAIMER
Mac’s Picks is written for entertainment purposes only. While “Mac” comes from gambling lineage, he’s only placed three 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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