JETS A GREEN MACHINE
WELL, the Jets’ offense certainly went from the sublime to the ridiculous. After putting up 37 points on the Bills with a 100-yard rusher, two 100-yard receivers and another with 92, they were annihilated at Arrowhead by the Chiefs, with Ryan Fitzpatrick’s six interceptions making up the bulk of an incredible eight turnovers.
The Seahawks come to MetLife Stadium on Sunday having done just the opposite. Their only touchdown in the opener was Doug Baldwin’s catch with 31 seconds to go beat the Dolphins 12-10. In Week 2, Seattle managed only a field goal in a 9-3 loss at the Rams. That all changed last week in a 37-18 blowout of the 49ers in which Baldwin, Russell Wilson, Christine Michael and Jimmy Graham all went off.
There are injury concerns on both sides. It’s not looking good for Eric Decker (shoulder) and Darrelle Revis, Brandon Marshall and Matt Forte are all a bit banged up. If Wilson plays (there’s some skepticism in Seattle), he will wear a brace on his sprained left knee which figures to limit his mobility.
This pick comes down to two things — Jets desperation at 1-2 with monster games at Pittsburgh and Arizona to follow, and Seattle’s cross-country travel for an early start. Those, plus the points, should be enough to get a Jet bet through. The pick: Jets, +2¹/2.
Jaguars (+21/2) over Colts (in London): The Jaguars go across the pond for the fourth year in a row. It’s a designated home game for them, and they actually may have a bit of a home-field edge over the Colts, who make the trip for the first time. The Jags are 0-3 with their upgraded roster. Time for a “W” at Wembley.
Browns (+7) over REDSKINS: New Browns coach Hue Jackson almost worked a miracle at Miami, where Terrelle Pryor became the first player in NFL history to have more than 140 yards receiving, 20 yards rushing and 30 yards passing in the same game. Looking for typical Redskins letdown off big win at Giants.
PATRIOTS (-6) over Bills: Whether it’s Jimmy Garoppolo, Jacoby Brissett, Julian Edelman or Tom Brady’s mother at quarterback, how can anyone doubt the Patriots at this point? And, OK fantasy players: Who had LeGarrette Blount leading the NFL in rushing (298 yards) after three games?
FALCONS (+3) over Panthers: Cam Newton has taken a beating this season, including an eight-sack nightmare last week against the Vikings. The Falcons don’t have that kind of defense, but they have a nuclear offense (NFL-best 104 points), with Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman having combined for 617 yards and five touchdowns.
Lions (-3) over BEARS: It’s looking like a game-time decision of Jay Cutler or Brian Hoyer for Chicago. The Lions have beaten the Bears six in a row, and the Matthew Stafford-Jim Bob Cooter offense perked up in the second half at Green Bay. The Bears are 1-8 at home under John Fox.
TEXANS (-4½) over Titans: It has been a terrible 10 days for the Texans, who didn’t show up in a 27-0 blowout at the Patriots and then lost J.J. Watt possibly for the season. But this team is 2-1, in first place in the AFC South and quite capable of “circling the wagons.”
RAVENS (-3) over Raiders: Baltimore is 3-0, winning by six, five and two and needed a huge comeback to win the middle game against the Browns. The Raiders travel east for the second week in a row and third time in four weeks, and could wear down late against the physical Ravens.
BUCCANEERS (+3) over Broncos: Denver has a tough turnaround going to Tampa Bay for a 4:05 start after winning at Cincinnati last week to improve to 3-0. The Buccaneers should put out their best effort off two losses, and the 91-degree forecast could play a factor.
49ERS (+2) over Cowboys: The Niners are coming off blowout losses at Carolina and Seattle, but that would be a tough slog for anyone, and their opening 28-0 rout of the Rams is now looking better. Dez Bryant could be out and Chip Kelly has six games of experience against Dallas, going 3-3 with the Eagles.
CHARGERS (-4½) over Saints: NFL travel isn’t quite as grueling from east to west, but it’s still a tough trip for the Saints after a Monday night home loss to the Falcons. The Chargers won their one home game by 24 in between lose-from-ahead heartbreakers at Kansas City and Indianapolis.
CARDINALS (-8) over Rams: The next two games are in the same betting category — taking a good team back at home off a blowout road loss. The Cardinals already have bounced back once this season, beating the Bucs by 33 after losing to the Patriots.
STEELERS (-4½) over Chiefs: The Steelers are coming off a desultory 34-3 whipping in Philadelphia. They have an NFL-worst one sack, and Alex Smith could pick them apart. But do you really want to mess with Mike Tomlin and Ben Roethlisberger in prime time this week? MONDAY NIGHT VIKINGS (-5) over Giants: Sam Bradford is up to speed as Vikings quarterback, and they don’t seem to need a running game — not when they lead the NFL in sacks (15), have three return touchdowns and a safety. Eli Manning is 2-5 versus the Vikings with five touchdowns and 14 interceptions. BEST BETS: Chargers, Steelers, Vikings LOCK OF THE WEEK: Chargers (Locks 1-2 in 2016) LAST WEEK: 4-11-1 overall, 0-3 Best Bets THURSDAY: Bengals (W)