Welcome to “Mac’s Picks for Week One”.
New York Jets (0-0) at Tennessee Titans (0-0)
Sunday 1p CBS
The New York Jets organization had a productive offseason. Aside from the impossible-to-defend decisions not to retain veterans Nick Folk and Tyrod Taylor, or adequately replace them, they’ve given Gang Green’s fanbase an opportunity to be hopeful about the future. GM Darren Mougey brought in veteran leaders via free agency and trades, and young talent through the draft. Aaron Glenn shook up the coaching staff, took over defensive play-calling, and is presenting as a kinder, gentler public speaker in year two.
Now, will the fans still be optimistic in October? With three NFC North opponents looming — the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and Chicago Bears — that depends on how the Jets perform on Sunday afternoon in Nashville against Robert Saleh and the Tennessee Titans. While both teams are rebuilding, I’m expecting Geno Smith to make a few more plays than his younger counterpart Cam Ward.
New York Jets 31 Tennessee Titans 27
Mac’s Pick — Jets (+1.5)
Dallas Cowboys (0-0) at New York Giants (0-0)
Sunday 8:20p NBC
The New York Giants may or may not be a good football team, but they are already a marquee attraction with celebrity head coach John Harbaugh, returning hero Odell Beckham, reckless Jaxson Dart, outspoken Malik Nabers, and camera-friendly Cam Skattebo. Plus, Big Blue is headlined on defense by Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Tremaine Edmunds, Arvell Reese, and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys come into the season hoping that their defense, buoyed by top draft choices Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence and last year’s midseason acquisition Quinnen Williams, is ready to carry its weight alongside their explosive offense. I expect the Cowboys to have the better season, but I think the Giants will use opening-night emotion to squeak out a victory at MetLife Stadium.
New York Giants 30 Dallas Cowboys 28
Mac’s Pick — Giants (+3)
MAC’S PICKS SEASON RECORD
Versus the point spread: 0-0
Moneyline: 0-0
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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