NFL Week 12 picks: Patriots vs. Giants predictions, betting promos

Here in New Jersey, we’ve learned that even legalizing marijuana hasn’t helped us successfully fight our quarterback depression, so while we gobble up edibles like brush going into a wood chipper, we’re waiting for the pharmaceutical companies to deliver a more effective drug to help us with our NFL mental health.

BUY GIANTS TICKETS: VIVID SEATS

(Then again, maybe they have already and we just have to wait for the Medicare commercials to end so the pill companies can advertise it.)

Zach Wilson’s career with the Jets is all but finished, no matter what Aaron Rodgers says. Despite his $160 million contract, Daniel Jones’ inability to stay healthy will force the Giants into drafting, signing or trading for a veteran quarterback, even though Jersey guy Tommy DeVito is an underdog story we all want to root for.

The kid has proven he’s not chopped liver ... well, make that chicken cutlet .

But would you want to trade places with fans in New England? Nah.

Aside from having to talk with a funny accent (which, thank God, we don’t have here) while calling subs “grinders,” milkshakes “frappes” and water fountains “bubblers,” you’d have to kneel at the altar of Bill Belichick — even when he’s broken Joe Judge and Matt Patricia’s Foxborough monopoly on screwing up quarterbacks.

Which leads us to this: Mac Jones, who has been benched three times this season, is talking like he’ll be the starter against the Giants at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Tom Brady vs. Kryptonite Eli Manning this isn’t. Bailey Zappe has relieved Jones on all three occasions, but he hasn’t given the Patriots a reason to stick with him.

Does Jones expect to start, he was asked Thursday.

“I hope so,” Jones said via the Boston Globe . “I mean, that’s the plan.”

He added: “I think I always work really hard for that and really put a lot of attention and detail into the week,” Jones said. “A lot of that decision-making is things I can’t control, but I can control my attitude and my effort, like I talked about, and really thankful overall just to be in the NFL and be playing quarterback.

“And Thanksgiving, right? It’s a great week to be grateful for a lot of things and to play this game, the game we love, together. I think that means a lot to me, regardless of the situation.”

The Giants are certainly thankful to be playing a team in more disarray than them, that’s for sure. But if they keep beating hapless teams with coaches who are likely to get fired, like the Commanders and Patriots, they’ll keep sliding down the draft list, which won’t make fans happy. After all, draft position is the only real difference between 3-14 and 5-12. What’s the sense of winning, especially if Deonte Banks has been muzzled ?

Here are our picks, with the Patriots favored by 3.5 points:

Darryl Slater, Giants beat

Tommy DeVito got his first win (in just his second start) last week in Washington, which is an inept team led by the soon-to-be-fired Ron Rivera. And while Bill Belichick probably also will be fired after this season (if not sooner), there’s no way he’s going to let his defense lose to DeVito. The Giants’ best hope in this one is another defensive touchdown, like the pick six that sealed the win in Washington. Patriots 17, Giants 13

Andy Vasquez, Jets beat

The Patriots don’t lose to the Jets at MetLife Stadium. Those are the rules. But they don’t apply when the end zone is painted blue. Bill Belichick needs a win in the worst way. But he’s not getting it against Tommy DeVito who leads a drive in the final two minutes for the game-winning field goal. Giants 11, Patriots 10

Chris Franklin, Eagles beat

Remember when Tom Brady and Eli Manning dueled it out in the Super Bowls? Times have certainly changed, with Tommy DeVito going against Mac Jones, which is not very enticing. The Patriots will likely do the Giants a favor by beating them, allowing the Giants to get closer to the top pick in next year’s draft. Giants punter Jamie Gillian and Patriots punter Bryce Baringer keep their legs warm because they will be busy. Patriots 20, Giants 17 (OT)

Cayden Steele, Eagles beat

Tommy DeVito is not facing New England’s defense of the past. The Patriots no longer have Hall of Famers or elite players on that side of the ball. Losing rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez and pass rusher Matthew Judon to season-ending injuries made things more difficult, but the group still plays well. DeVito could struggle against Bill Belichick’s game plan. It won’t be surprising to see DeVito make bad mistakes, but neither Mac Jones nor Bailey Zappe are quality quarterbacks. At this point, the Patriots might have a worse quarterback situation than the Giants. Things are falling apart in New England and won’t get any better. Giants 14, Patriots 10