I had a stressful couple of days at work, so my wife and I decided to take a drive to Mahone Bay to walk, breathe some fresh air, and look at some cool scarecrows. It was just what we both needed. I came home refreshed and ready to settle in for the evening with some beer and a football game. So, at least temporarily, I’m going to return to last season’s schedule of doing a Thursday night mini-column with my Thursday pick, with the rest of my picks to follow tomorrow. For those of you who might be disappointed by this sudden change in events, I promise that tomorrow’s column will contain a pick so shocking that I may have to post a warning for heart patients and people with erectile dysfunction/hay fever.
As for the ongoing competition between myself and Mr. Silver, I was 11-3 last week (not including the ridiculous tie between the Panthers and Bengals), while Mr. Silver struggled to 6-8. And yes, I did pick the Cowboys to upset the Seahawks, in case anyone thought I wouldn’t mention it.
Thursday Night
Jets at Patriots
With the way these two teams’ fortunes have gone in recent weeks, it should be no surprise to anyone that the Pats are huge favourites to win at home tonight. We’ve been here before though, haven’t we; New England riding high, only to be laid low by the team that plays them harder than any other. Let’s face it; since Rex Ryan took over as Jets’ head coach, the two games they play against New England each season are the Jets’ Super Bowl. So, could Rex’s bunch pull the upset tonight? Absolutely. The common thread in the two New England losses this year (Miami, Kansas City) was the ability of the opposing defence to get major pressure on Tom Brady. Though the Jets have a great many weaknesses, they do have a top-notch defensive front. Also, the Pats will be without RB Stevan Ridley, lost for the season with a torn ACL/MCL. Meanwhile, the Jets’ offence will be facing a New England defence that is itself dealing with a major loss in LB Jerod Mayo. Ultimately, I think New England will overcome these challenges. In last week’s game against a Bills defence with a strong pass rush, the Pats were able to adjust nicely, with Brady hardly bothered. As for the Pats’ defence, they still have a strong defensive line, anchored by Vince Wilfork, the supremely talented Jamie Collins to solidify the linebacking corps, and plenty of ball hawks in the secondary who will be eager to make whichever bad QB the Jets put behind Center pay. Winner: Patriots
Mr. Silver's Pick: Patriots
As for the ongoing competition between myself and Mr. Silver, I was 11-3 last week (not including the ridiculous tie between the Panthers and Bengals), while Mr. Silver struggled to 6-8. And yes, I did pick the Cowboys to upset the Seahawks, in case anyone thought I wouldn’t mention it.
Thursday Night
Jets at Patriots
With the way these two teams’ fortunes have gone in recent weeks, it should be no surprise to anyone that the Pats are huge favourites to win at home tonight. We’ve been here before though, haven’t we; New England riding high, only to be laid low by the team that plays them harder than any other. Let’s face it; since Rex Ryan took over as Jets’ head coach, the two games they play against New England each season are the Jets’ Super Bowl. So, could Rex’s bunch pull the upset tonight? Absolutely. The common thread in the two New England losses this year (Miami, Kansas City) was the ability of the opposing defence to get major pressure on Tom Brady. Though the Jets have a great many weaknesses, they do have a top-notch defensive front. Also, the Pats will be without RB Stevan Ridley, lost for the season with a torn ACL/MCL. Meanwhile, the Jets’ offence will be facing a New England defence that is itself dealing with a major loss in LB Jerod Mayo. Ultimately, I think New England will overcome these challenges. In last week’s game against a Bills defence with a strong pass rush, the Pats were able to adjust nicely, with Brady hardly bothered. As for the Pats’ defence, they still have a strong defensive line, anchored by Vince Wilfork, the supremely talented Jamie Collins to solidify the linebacking corps, and plenty of ball hawks in the secondary who will be eager to make whichever bad QB the Jets put behind Center pay. Winner: Patriots
Mr. Silver's Pick: Patriots
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