Our local football teams have been on a roller-coaster ride through the first month of the 2026 NFL season. A few weeks ago, the New York Jets went to overtime against the Green Bay Packers with a chance to go 2-0. Now, there’s already speculation about who the next head coach will be.
Meanwhile, the other MetLife Stadium tenant has experienced highs and lows too. They’ve emerged with a 3-1 record despite season-ending injuries to Brian Burns and Jaxson Dart. Despite all that uncertainty, we are proud to point out that “Mac’s Picks” currently stands at 5-3 against the point spread, and 6-2 outright.
Welcome to “Mac’s Picks for Week 5.”
Cleveland Browns (3-1) at New York Jets (1-3)
Sunday 1p CBS
I’m a firm believer that “Same Old Jets” is a term that has no relevance other than for memes and media talking points. No player is thinking about Zach Wilson being benched for Mike White in 2022, or Robert Saleh being fired early in the 2024 season. But that doesn’t mean that the outside noise can’t permeate the walls of the locker room if Gang Green doesn’t come away with a win on Sunday.
The Jets coaching, defense, and run game have regressed each of the last three weeks. That trend needs to be reversed against Cleveland. While the Browns are 3-1, they are the only team with 3+ wins to have a negative point differential (-14). Offensively, Deshaun Watson has been good late in games, but his overall QBR is ranked #18 compared to Geno Smith at #16.
This was a game the fanbase circled as a “W” when the schedule came out, and it is still a game the Jets should win at home. If they lose, the entire season, and Glenn’s head coaching career, could start to go off the rails.
New York Jets 27 Cleveland Browns 19
Mac’s Pick — Jets (-1.5)
New York Giants (3-1) at Washington Commanders (1-3)
Sunday 1p FOX
Excuse the Washington Commanders if they are not concerned about the Giants QB situation. They’ve had three QBs attempt at least 30 passes through four games — Jayden Daniels (51), Marcus Mariota (51), and Athan Kaliakmanis (33). With Mariota now injured, the one-win Commanders are fortunate that Daniels is ready to jump back into the lineup. In his 2+ year career, he is 3-0 against the Giants.
Daniels will face a tough challenge as Big Blue’s defense has allowed 79 points (8th in the league) and 1257 yards (9th). Offensively, the Giants were missing WR Malik Nabers and LT Andrew Thomas at Wednesday’s practice, while TE Isaiah Likely and RB Cam Skattebo were limited.
Washington Commanders 23 New York Giants 17
Mac’s Pick — Commanders (-3.5)
MAC’S PICKS SEASON RECORD
Versus the point spread: 5-3
On the moneyline: 6-2
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.
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