Famous in Our Own Minds: The Pick ’Em Showdown

The UVA Picks

We start where our hearts always are: Virginia football. Against NC State, all three of us are riding with the Hoos. The differences? Just how big the margin of victory will be.

• Jeff: Virginia 33, NC State 27
  
  

• Jack: Virginia 34, NC State 24
  
  

• Jay: Virginia 27, NC State 17
  
  

Apparently, none of us believe in Wolfpack defense—or maybe we just really believe in Scott Stadium’s magic when the lights are on. Either way, Hoos sweep the board in Week 2.

The NFL Picks

Here’s where the bloodbath begins. Each of us has three selections, and only one of us will leave the weekend with bragging rights.

• Jay’s Picks: Jets/Steelers under 37.5, Giants +6.5, Seahawks +1.5
  
  Jay is basically betting on ugly football and Sam Darnold, gross!
  
  

• Jeff’s Picks: Patriots -2.5, Bills +1.5, Titans +8.5
  
  Jeff’s strategy: Trust young Drake Maye, back Buffalo, and close his eyes while cheering for Tennessee to cover.
  
  

• Jack’s Picks: Bengals -5.5, Dolphins +1.5, Titans/Broncos over 42.5
  
  Jack is leaning on Joe Burrow, some Miami speed, and a game in Denver that apparently turns into a Big 12 shootout.
  
  

Who Will Reign Supreme?

Let’s be honest—none of us are Vegas sharps. We’re the guys you’d fade if you were serious about paying your mortgage with sports betting. But someone has to win our little competition, and that someone will be able to remind the others about it every week until basketball season tips off.

So will it be Jeff, master of the underdog Titans? Jack, trusting Burrow and Tyreek Hill to get it done? Or Jay, who might just win ugly with defensive slogs and covers?

We’ll find out soon enough. Until then, our picks are famous—at least in our own minds.

Go Hoos!