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DID Roger Daltrey and The Who warn us 55 years ago about our Week 2 pick in the New York Jets-Green Bay Packers game?
I’ll tip my hat to the new Constitution / Take a bow for the new revolution / Smile and grin at the change all around / Pick up my guitar and play / Just like yesterday / Then I’ll get on my knees and pray / We don’t get fooled again.
Well, we are in that situation again. Same as last year, when Justin Fields’ lively performance in a 34-32 loss that should have been a win vs. Aaron Rodgers’ Steelers. The following week they lost 30-10 to the Bills. In 2024, a Thursday night 24-3 destruction of the Patriots was answered by five losses in a row. In 2022, the great Mike White 31-10 mauling of the Bears in Week 12 was the last game the Jets would win that season, as they dropped their final six.
Even the Jets’ one shining moment, their Super Bowl III upset victory over the Colts, was essentially followed up with a bitter 13-6 loss at Shea Stadium to the Chiefs in the 1969 division playoffs after a 10-4 season.
None of this should be a surprise. The Jets are 136 games under .500 in their history, so by definition most of their good times are short-lived.
Why would now be any different? What was so special about a 23-10 victory over the three-win Titans? Why isn’t this fool’s gold?
We’re going to find out quickly if it was because the Packers will be coming into MetLife Stadium on Sunday angry after blowing a 22-10 lead in a 39-22 loss at Minnesota.
I’m not buying in just yet on a magical Jets transformation, but I am willing to take 3.5 points at home in this specific matchup. The Jets (seem to) have a strong offensive line and running game, a few dangerous receivers and a pass rush. Green Bay’s Jordan Love was harassed by incessant Vikings blitzes, and Aaron Glenn, with his “Superpower” play calling, will surely give him a lot more.
The Pack is without Micah Parsons and missing Josh Jacobs. If this is getting fooled again, so be it.
The pick: Jets +3.5
New Orleans Saints (+8.5) over BALTIMORE RAVENS
Saw enough of the Saints’ 31-30 loss to the Lions to want to back them here at more than a touchdown in Baltimore. Down 21-0, they kept coming at the Lions and were a 2-point conversion from pulling it out. Tyler Shough threw for 410 yards. Can they stop Derrick Henry after giving up 156 yards to Jahmyr Gibbs?
Minnesota Vikings (+4.5) over CHICAGO BEARS
The Bears had 269 yards rushing and scored 59 points in their opener at Carolina. The Vikings destroyed the Packers late, but gave up a lot of points and yards before that. Feels like a toss-up game in the NFC North that the underdog has a chance to win outright, so let’s take the points.
Pittsburgh Steelers (+5) over NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
The Patriots have had plenty of extra time to stew after their opening loss in Seattle. My question is whether they have enough firepower to expect them to beat the Steelers by more than a field goal. With A.J. Brown out, the receiving corps of Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, and Mack Hollins doesn’t strike fear.
HOUSTON TEXANS (-2.5) over Cincinnati Bengals
The Bills put up 36 points on the vaunted Texans defense, and the Bengals have the names to be able to do the same. Just figuring we get a much better game from Will Anderson Jr., Derek Stingley Jr. and that Houston unit. Encouraging start for C.J. Stroud after his playoff disaster.
Philadelphia Eagles (-7) over TENNESSEE TITANS
Saquon Barkley is licking his chops to get at the Titans run defense that was mauled by the Jets. The Eagles also should have a lot of fans in the stands if the Jets takeover of Nashville last week is any indication.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (-8.5) over Cleveland Browns
Someone tell the Browns the season has started — and they have other quarterbacks they can use instead of Deshaun Watson. The Bucs had a belated comeback attempt, losing 33-27 at Cincinnati after trailing 21-3. Baker Mayfield has his way in a revenge game against the Browns.
Carolina Panthers (-2.5) over ATLANTA FALCONS
The Falcons didn’t know at midweek who would be playing quarterback this week, and it will be Cooper Rush again. Whoever it is can hand the ball to Bijan Robinson. I’d rather rely on Bryce Young with this short number. The Panthers eventually were overwhelmed by the Bears, but they showed up. Carolina hung 30 on Atlanta twice last season.
Jacksonville Jaguars (+2.5) over DENVER BRONCOS
Mile High is no mystery for the Jags, who won there 34-20 last season when the Broncos were 12-2. People are discounting their rout of the Browns last week, but I’d rather have that than what the Chiefs did to the Broncos.
Las Vegas Raiders (+6.5) over LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
The big question here is whether weird Mike McDaniel is going to ruin Justin Herbert. Even if the loss to the Cardinals was an aberration, Herbert could be without top receiver Ladd McConkey (questionable, ribs). Ashton Jeanty perked up for the Raiders in their opener, and Kirk Cousins should be good enough to stay within the number.
Washington Commanders (+4) over DALLAS COWBOYS
The Commanders took the Eagles to the wire in Philly. You have to look at the numbers to appreciate what the Giants did to the Cowboys. They kept the ball 36:40, outrushed Dallas 165-69 and went 9 of 11 on third down. Jayden Daniels can keep this within a field goal.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (-13.5) over Miami Dolphins
The 49ers crushed the Rams in Australia, showing off massive weapons all over the field on both sides of the ball. However, they’ll be the first team to play the next week after flying back from Down Under. Going to lay it, but I’m a little worried about the slew of good rookies the Dolphins possess (WRs Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell, LB Jacob Rodriguez, OG Kaydn Proctor). They won’t be tanking with those guys on the field.
Seattle Seahawks (-4) over ARIZONA CARDINALS
Feels like a nice number to back the champs, who made the Patriots offense disappear then got a few extra days to rest. The Cards’ surprise victory at the Chargers knocked the spread down a bit.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (-6.5) over Indianapolis Colts
Kenneth Walker III announced himself at Arrowhead with 173 yards and a touchdown in the blowout of Denver. The Chiefs in primetime again as Steve Spagnuolo sends his diabolical defense after Daniel Jones, who ran just once vs. the Ravens. Jones obviously isn’t ready to play his way.
MONDAY
New York Giants (+7) over LOS ANGELES RAMS
I’ll admit it early: I misread what the Giants are going to be and how they are going to play. Sisi Mauigoa looks like a mauler up front, giving the Giants a smashmouth element that opens up multiple ways to attack. Cam Skattebo’s power, Jaxson Dart’s takeoffs, and a WR1 in Malik Nabers. The secret weapon, new TE Isaiah Likely, is no longer a secret after scoring two touchdowns, but it’ll be hard for defenses to key on him with so much else to worry about.
The Rams will be hyped after a Week 1 loss. They were criticized for their travel plans to Australia, and I wonder if the trip back will have any lingering effects. Myles Garrett is already out. Their passing attack certainly will test the Giants secondary, but Big Blue has enough pass rushers to get after Matthew Stafford.
BEST BETS: Chiefs, Eagles, Giants
LOCK OF THE WEEK: Chiefs (Locks 1-0 in 2026)
LAST WEEK: 7-8-1 overall, 3-0 Best Bets
THURSDAY: Bills (W)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Dave Blezow’s one of the longest tenured NFL handicappers at the Post with picks dating back to 1994. He won the Post’s NFL betting standings in 2021 and the Playoffs most recently in 2023.
