About this episode
Munaf Manji, Mackenzie Rives and Dave Essler talk NFL contest picks for week 2. He argues the Jets “could have won” and notes Buffalo’s heavy workload (78 offensive plays). With division games historically close, he sees value in the Jets. Munaf (12:06 – 13:24) – Agrees, adding Justin Fields’ dual-threat potential and Breece Hall’s role against Buffalo’s shaky run defense. He stresses line shopping, noting DraftKings had Jets +7. McKenzie (13:24 – 15:24) – Supports Jets further, highlighting success rate: Jets ranked third-best in Week 1. He warns of historical ATS struggles for teams after miracle comebacks like Buffalo’s. Consensus Pick – All three lock in the Jets. McKenzie Rivers (15:51 – 17:30) – Takes the Chargers -3.5 vs. Raiders, praising Justin Herbert’s breakout game and offensive dominance. He dismisses concerns about travel from Brazil, saying rest days and comfort offset it. Munaf (17:31 – 18:52) – Agrees, even bought Herbert MVP futures. He views Raiders as vulnerable after travel from Foxborough. Dave (19:11 – 20:20) – Adds Chargers dominated Raiders last year, credits their underrated defense, and believes they can win the AFC West. Munaf Manji (20:21 – 23:22) – Picks the Cowboys -6 vs. Giants, citing Dak Prescott’s history: 22-5 straight up vs. division opponents at home since 2016. 20-7 ATS (74.1%). 8-1 straight up vs. Giants at home, winning by 15.4 points on average. He doubts Russell Wilson can lead the Giants’ offense, predicting Dallas rebounds strong. Dave (23:22 – 24:49) – Fully agrees, pointing out the Giants’ defense allowed 220 rushing yards and committed penalties that masked their weakness. McKenzie (24:51 – 26:52) – Notes Dak was PFF’s second-best QB in Week 1. Dallas showed top-10 offensive success despite losing to Philadelphia. He supports Cowboys strongly. Survivor Picks (30:04 – 34:58) Dave – Chooses Steelers, betting against Sam Darnold’s inconsistency and praising Pittsburgh’s home-field edge. Munaf – Chooses Chargers, preferring their divisional setup and momentum. McKenzie – Keeps his pick for a separate Survivor pod but warns Week 2 will bring “carnage.” Closing (35:36 – 38:44) The trio agree the Jets are their collective best bet for Week 2. Dave closes with thoughts on fading Carolina, noting Bryce Young’s struggles and a porous Panthers run defense that allowed Jacksonville 200 rushing yards. Munaf echoes that Arizona may exploit Carolina’s weakness with James Conner, Trey Benson, or Kyler Murray. Munaf wraps the show by thanking his co-hosts, reminding listeners of Pregame.com promotions, and urging them to enjoy the fast-moving NFL season. ✅ Final Consensus Best Bet: New York Jets +6.5 (with value at +7). ✅ Additional Contest Picks: Chargers -3.5, Cowboys -6. ✅ Survivor Selections: Steelers (Dave), Chargers (Munaf). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices