Due to the exceedingly high levels of geographical diversity present among the Tulane student body, The Hullabaloo sports section has begun a new column dubbed “NFL Picks,” highlighting several upcoming games from NFL teams across the nation. The Hull Sports staff will do a short analysis of these select matchups and give its predictions on their respective outcomes.

New York Jets @ Cleveland Browns

This Thursday night matchup looks to be a show of two teams hoping to make somewhat of a turnaround in 2018. While rookie quarterback Sam Darnold has performed decently for the Jets in his first two NFL appearances, I am taking Cleveland in this one. Why? Tyrod Taylor has been more than shaky under center for the Browns but also maintains a serviceable supporting cast. After tying the Pittsburgh Steelers in week one and nearly knocking off the New Orleans Saints in week two, Cleveland should be in good position to take its first win since December of 2016.

My pick: Cleveland Browns

Los Angeles Chargers @ Los Angeles Rams

The battle for LA looks to be quite a feature game for the NFL this coming week: both teams were ranked by CBS Sports in August as top-10 Super Bowl contenders for 2019. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has the edge on the Rams’ Jared Goff statistically, but I like the Rams’ chances behind a stout defense and star running back Todd Gurley II.

My pick: Los Angeles Rams

San Francisco 49ers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes is absolutely on fire. Kansas City’s second-year quarterback out of Texas Tech University has thrown for 582 yards and 10 touchdowns in his first two starts. While the Chiefs defense is only a glimmer of what it once was, this high-powered offense should run over the 49ers’ secondary at Arrowhead.

My pick: Kansas City Chiefs

Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars

I am not sold on the Titans. Meanwhile, Jacksonville’s offense and defense have been quite solid for two weeks straight, especially after defeating the reigning AFC Champion New England Patriots this past weekend. With running back Leonard Fournette looking to make a return in week three, it’s hard not to pick “DUUUUUUVAL” in this one.

My pick: Jacksonville Jaguars

New York Giants @ Houston Texans

Giants rookie running back Saquon Barkley is good. Really good. Wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. is as well. But does any of that matter when you have virtually no offensive line and quarterback way past his prime? Opponents sacked New York quarterback Eli Manning a whopping eight times to start the season, while the veteran has only passed for one touchdown. With this kind of offense, how can you expect a team to outperform a high-scoring (albeit currently underperforming) Houston team?

My pick: Houston Texans