All Eyes on Zach Wilson as Jets Host Patriots, WEEK 8 NFL PICKS

Quarterback is a lonely job. Especially in New York.

Ask Phil Simms, or Eli Manning, or even Daniel Jones with Big Blue what it's like to have the city on one's shoulders. Do the same with the likes of Vinny Testaverde, or Chad Pennington, or Mark Sanchez, or even Geno Smith with the Jets.

So as the 5-2 Jets host the 3-4 New England Patriots on Sunday in a game that will be a huge statement in the eyes of Jets fans everywhere -- should Gang Green win, all eyes will be on Zach Wilson. It won't be easy; the Jets will go into this games without running back Breece Hall (knee) and tackle Alijah Vera Tucker (tricep) both out for the remainder of the season. And, on Friday, word came out that wide receiver Corey Davis will be out as well (knee).

That will undoubtedly put more pressure on Wilson, who while he is 4-0 since returning to the lineup in Week 4, hasn't exactly lit up the stats sheet. Last week Wilson struggled in his reads, was sacked three times, and threw for only 121 yards. He has yet to throw for 200 yards in a game this season.

While the criticism is valid, Wilson hasn't turned the ball over, and has been consistent as a "game manager." Can he take his game to the next level this week against a Patriots team that is very vulnerable?

It will be a huge test, and with so many key cogs out, the Jets need Wilson to be the man, the guy they drafted second overall in the 2021 draft. He has Michael Carter, Braxton Berrios, Garrett Wilson, and Elijah Moore at his disposal. Find them. Get the ball to them, and find a way to beat Bill Belichick and the Patriots once and for all. He does that, the narrative of "game manager" might starting changing.

This is a great opportunity for the Jets. The Patriots come in looking very vulnerable. There are issues at quarterback for New England as Mac Jones is trying to not only win games, but keep his starting job away from Bailey Zappe who took over for him in last week's 33-14 loss to Chicago. Zappe wasn't all that great last week either, which is why Bill Belichick went back to Jones this week. The Jets feature a much stiffer test for Jones with Quinnen and Quincy Williams setting the pass rush, and Sauce Gardner waiting in the secondary.

Like I wrote above, it comes down to Zach Wilson. The Jets are missing three huge pieces to their offense this week, which is a huge problem. They are also trying to get acclimate ex-Jaguar running back James Robinson into the offense. Also remember disgruntled receiver Elijah Moore returns this week.
Got a feeling this might be a game Jets fans rue for a long time as Jones suddenly figures it out late.

PICK: PATRIOTS 20 - JETS 16

Once again the Giants are getting disrespected in the betting line as Seattle is a three-point favorite. Last week the Jags were favored. The Giants won 23-17, although it wasn't easy.  This week the headline is ex-Jet and ex-Giants Geno Smith (remember him?)

Smith is one of the best quarterbacks in the league this year (believe it or not) having completed 73 percent of his passes with 11 touchdowns and three picks. He has revitalized a Seahawks team and offense that finds itself atop the wild NFC West at 4-3.

The Giants have the horses on defense to make things uncomfortable for Smith, who is getting sacked only two times a game this year. While the Giants have only 13 sacks as a team, they have deflected 31 passes this season. They are great at getting pressure and that will be the key to this game.

On the flip side expect Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley to do their thing for Big Blue as two of the most dynamic offensive players in the league right now.

If this game is close, can the Giants pull it out again? Daniel Jones has won five games all in come-from-behind fashion already this year.

PICK: SEAHAWKS 26 - GIANTS 23 - Eventually the Giants fortunes of pulling out tight games will run out. It runs out this week is a wild, back-n-forth affair with Seattle.

It's one heck of a party down on the other side of the Jersey Turnpike in Philadelphia. We got the Phillies in the World Series, and the Eagles unbeaten at 6-0. That party is only going to continue this week in the Keystone State Battle between the Steelers and Eagles.

The Eagles made a huge trade with Chicago for defensive end Robert Quinn, who is only going to make the Eagles pass rush that much more lethal. That is bad news for Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett, who has really struggled since taking over for Mitchell Trubisky four weeks ago.

Expect another big day from Jalen Hurts and this Eagle offense as well.  Fly Eagles, Fly.

PICK: EAGLES 31 - STEELERS 17

The Bears had a coming out party at New England last week. Justin Fields enjoyed his best day as a Bear, throwing for 179 yards and running for 82 more. However it was the Bears defense that was most impressive. The Bears forced four turnovers with Roquan Smith and Jaquan Barker leading the way in victory.

Can the Bears keep it up in Big D? Especially after trading away Robert Quinn? Good question. The Cowboys have given up 20-plus points in a game only once this year in a 26-17 loss to Philadelphia. Dak Prescott is healthy, so expect the Boys to keep rolling against a Bears team playing on a short week in back-to-back road games.

PICK: COWBOYS 27 - BEARS 13

The Bills are coming off a relaxing bye week, while the Green Bay Packers look like a team coming apart at the seams.

Green Bay has lost two in a row -- losses to the Jets and Commanders -- and Aaron Rodgers just doesn't look like the same guy. He has been bothered by a hand injury and still continues playing. Gotta appreciate the toughness, but it's not helping Green Bay win games.

The Bill are well rested, and will pin their ears back against Green Bay's lackluster offense. Expect Josh Allen to have another huge night throwing the football in the bitter cold of Buffalo.

PICK: BILLS 34 - PACKERS 21