NFL WEEK 4
GREG COTE'S THURSDAY PICK
BRONCOS (0-3) at JETS (0-3)
Line: EVEN.
Cote's pick: NYJ 19-16.
TV: 8:20 p.m., NFL.
Every fiber in my being wanted to make fun of this most putrid of prime-time matchups kicking off NFL Week 4, but, marshaling all of my willpower, I won't. Instead I'll accentuate the positive. The rare pick-'em betting line suggests a competitive game, at least. And but for the 0.4% mathematical chance of a tie, somebody is going to win this! Deciding who is a bit like choosing between canned Spam and tofu as your entree. Injury-wracked Denver is missing seven starters and down to its third quarterback with Drew Lock sidelined and Jeff Driskel lousy, meaning undrafted Brett Rypien (Mark's nephew) gets his first pro start. The Jets are healthier, including the hoped-for return of top WR Jamison Crowder, who will help Sam Darnold be slightly less awful. WHOA, wait a second. Am I actually doing this? Am I picking the team that's been outscored 94-37 to win? Am I picking the Jets!? Lord help me. Your job security is extended by another week, Adam Gase.
