The immediate takeaway for Jets fans last Sunday was perhaps the hellacious opening six-game stretch had just gotten a little easier.
Neither the Chiefs, whom the Jets visit this weekend, nor the Seahawks, who visit MetLife next week, managed to score a touchdown in Week 2.
But in reality, the biggest thing that came out of the Chiefs’ 19-12 loss in Houston that affects this game against the Jets is that the spread likely came down a few points.
In Buffalo, the Jets did look like a polished offense. Still, you have to wonder about Brandon Marshall’s foot and knee and Eric Decker’s shoulder, and wonder some more about all of the big plays being allowed by the defense.
The Chiefs, who will be ready to rebound off their loss, may get Jamaal Charles back, and have won seven in a row at Arrowhead.
The pick: Chiefs, -3.
GIANTS (-5) over Redskins: Big Blue didn’t score an offensive touchdown against the Saints. That will change against the Redskins, who already have been picked apart by Ben Roethlisberger and Dak Prescott. Eli Manning’s accuracy has been off the charts at 73.9 percent, and he’ll start to find the end zone more as he gets into a groove with Victor Cruz, back after almost two years, and rookie Sterling Shepard. Everyone’s talking about Odell Beckham Jr. versus Josh Norman, but keep an eye on Redskins CB Bashaud Breeland. Whoever he’s covering will catch a lot of balls.
Broncos (+3) over BENGALS: Andy Dalton was sacked seven times by the Jets, and although the Steelers got him only once, he came out of that game hobbling. Now he has to deal with Von Miller. Not scared off by rookie QB Trevor Siemian’s road debut.
TITANS (-2) over Raiders: Will the Raiders’ defense please report to the 2016 season! It has given up an unbelievable 1,035 yards in two games versus the Saints and Falcons. By contrast, the Titans held the Vikings without an offensive touchdown in a Week 1 loss, then short-circuited the red-hot Lions’ offense in a 16-15 road win last week.
Cardinals (-4) over BILLS: Tough turnaround for the Cardinals, traveling cross-country for an early start off a 40-7 home win over the Bucs. The Bills fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman after getting dominated by the Jets, save for two long passes and a fumble return.
JAGUARS (+1) over Ravens: Baltimore was getting its doors blown off by the Browns at 20-0 when a blocked PAT turned the tide, but there were plenty of warning signs in those first 10 minutes. The Jaguars were a full-game disaster at San Diego, but in the opener at home were quite good in covering against the Packers.
DOLPHINS (-10) over Browns: Dolphins have lost two games by a total of nine points at Seattle and New England, and now open their refurbished Hard Rock Stadium. Browns start rookie QB Cody Kessler and will miss dynamic rookie WR Corey Coleman (broken hand).
Lions (+7) over PACKERS: Lions won by two at Lambeau last November and had the Packers beat again three weeks later, but lost on an unfathomable Aaron Rodgers Hail Mary. Off a surprise loss to the Titans, the Matthew Stafford-Jim Bob Cooter offense gets back in gear to keep this close.
Vikings (+7) over PANTHERS: Not sweating the absence of Adrian Peterson too much (he was averaging 1.6 yards per carry, anyway). It’s a lot of points to be giving a Vikings D that can score as well as stop, and if last week was the real Sam Bradford, look out!
49ers (+9) over SEAHAWKS: 49ers were hanging in there nicely as 13¹/₂-point underdogs at Carolina, but wilted in the second half having to play cross country early Sunday after an ultra-late Monday nighter. They should be able to stay within this big number versus a Seattle offense that hasn’t shown much.
BUCCANEERS (-6) over Rams: Last week was glory for the Rams and gory for the Bucs, but a lot can change a week later and 2,500 miles away. Thinking Jameis Winston is closer to the guy who threw four touchdown passes at Atlanta than the one who threw four interceptions at Arizona.
Steelers (-3¹/₂) over EAGLES: Carson Wentz broke his maiden versus the Browns and handled the Monday Night pressure on the road at the Bears to start his career 2-0, but this is a huge step up in class. Same can be said for the Eagles’ defense, which will get a much bigger test from Big Ben.
Chargers (+2¹/₂) over COLTS: Chargers have played three good halves and had one disastrous one in Kansas City. They’ve lost Danny Woodhead as well as Keenan Allen, but Philip Rivers is 5-1 lifetime against the Colts and 2-0 in Indy, including a playoff win in 2013.
COWBOYS (-7) over Bears: Brian Hoyer isn’t a terrible replacement for Jay Cutler, but with Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, Dez Bryant and others, the Cowboys line up a lot more offense.
Monday night
SAINTS (-3) over Falcons: Saints took both meetings last year and Sean Payton is 14-4 in his career against Atlanta. Plus the Saints’ defense showed signs in not allowing an offensive touchdown to the Giants, and at 0-2 New Orleans should have some urgency.
Best bets: Cardinals, Giants, Steelers
Lock of the week: Cardinals (Locks 1-1 in 2016)
Last week: 7-9 overall, 1-2 Best Bets
Thursday night: Texans (L)