Welcome to “Mac’s Picks for Week 7”.
Carolina Panthers (3-3) at New York Jets (0-6)
Sunday 1p FOX
Lost in last week’s embarrassing offensive effort in London, was the fact that the New York Jets defense finally showed up. Gang Green held the Denver Broncos to 13 points, 246 total yards, and secured their first takeaway of the season. Unfortunately, the offense generated negative 10 yards in the passing game and just 12 points.
Worse — Aaron Glenn made maddening decisions in the final few minutes of the first half, and of the game. Now, the Jets face a Panthers team that just won back-to-back games against the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins. Two teams that recently beat the Jets.
Since the Panthers are hot, and Garrett Wilson is questionable, of course, I’m picking the Jets. Expect to see a lot of Breece Hall featured in both the running and passing game, and some designed runs for Justin Fields. It won’t be pretty, but the day will end with Glenn finally driving home with his first game ball as a head coach.
New York Jets 24 Carolina Panthers 19
Mac’s Pick — Jets (+ 1½)
New York Giants (2-4) at Denver Broncos (4-2)
Sunday 4:05p CBS
The Denver Broncos are providing the New York Giants with a blueprint to return to contention. Denver has an offensive-minded head coach, a fearless young QB, and a defense that prides itself on putting pressure on its opposing signal-callers.
While no one is confusing (yet) Brian Daboll with Sean Payton, Jaxson Dart with Bo Nix, or Big Blue with the Orange Crush, the Giants did provide a glimmer of hope with a takedown of the Philadelphia Eagles last week on Thursday Night Football.
The Broncos defense will be Dart’s biggest test yet. They are averaging 15.8 points per game (2nd in the league), 254.2 yards per game (also 2nd in the league), plus they have 30 sacks (eight more than the second place Pittsburgh Steelers).
Denver Broncos 24 New York Giants 17
Mac’s Pick — Giants (+7 ½)
MAC’S PICKS SEASON RECORD
Versus the point spread: 5-7
On the money line: 5-7
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 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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