NFL

Geno is no j-OAK!

Geno Smith had the lowest passer rating among NFL starting quarterbacks in 2013. He booked 12 touchdowns and 21 interceptions, and was the chief culprit for the minus-14 turnover ratio that killed the Jets’ playoff hopes.

Still, he threw for 3,046 yards, rushed for 366 more with six touchdowns, and led a team that was devoid of healthy offensive weapons to an 8-8 record. So it’s only natural for Jets fans to anticipate better things from Smith this season, when he will have Eric Decker, Chris Johnson and Jace Amaro at his disposal.

The biggest question for the Jets has been at cornerback, where Darrin Walls and converted safety Antonio Allen will start. Raiders rookie quarterback Derek Carr will find some yardage on the outside against them, but the other nine guys on defense, Rex Ryan’s schemes, and the noise from the “White Out” crowd will combine to make this a miserable debut for Carr.

The pick: Jets -5 ¹/₂.

Saints (-3) over FALCONS: Wouldn’t give much more than this, but have to lay three with a Saints team that has won 13 of its last 16 in this rivalry. The Falcons are way better than last year’s 4-12 disaster, and have the big names on offense to ambush the Saints. But it’s always a long day going up against the Drew Brees-Sean Payton offense and Rob Ryan “D.”

Vikings (+3¹/₂) over RAMS: Last time these teams met, 2012 in St. Louis, Adrian Peterson rushed for 212 yards. With Cordarrelle Patterson, Greg Jennings and Kyle Rudolph, the Vikes figure to have more firepower than the Rams, who have QB Shaun Hill making his first start since 2010.

STEELERS (-6¹/₂) over Browns: Mike Pettine is the seventh man to coach a Browns opener since they returned to the NFL in 1999. The previous six (Chris Palmer, Butch Davis, Romeo Crennel, Eric Mangini, Pat Shurmur and Rob Chudzinski) were a combined 1-14 on opening day. The Steelers may be in decline, but even last year they beat Cleveland by 16 and 13.

EAGLES (-10¹/₂) over Jaguars: Looking forward to seeing Jeremy Maclin and Darren Sproles in Chip Kelly’s offense. They’ll put points up in a hurry with Nick Foles (27 touchdowns, two interceptions) getting more comfortable with the system. Heavy spread, but don’t expect much from the Chad Henne-Toby Gerhart-Cecil Shorts III triumvirate.

Bengals (+2) over RAVENS: Joe Flacco is 11-0 at home in September, a meaningful stat given this minuscule spread. But he had Ray Rice behind him for most of that. Now Rice is suspended for two games, and his replacement, Bernard Pierce, averaged 2.9 yards per carry in 2013.

Bills (+7) over BEARS: Chicago’s the better team, but have a suspicion the Bills’ quick young studs EJ Manuel, C.J. Spiller and Sammy Watkins will be a tough matchup for the older Bears defenders.

Redskins (+3) over TEXANS: The Texans will be better than last season’s 2-14 because minus-20 turnover differentials are almost impossible to replicate. But am not buying Vegas’ win total over/under of 7¹/₂. More interested to see what Texas high school and college star Robert Griffin III will do with new toy DeSean Jackson.

Titans (+3¹/₂) over CHIEFS: KC built an 11-5 record off of a plus-18 turnover differential. Like Houston’s minus-20, that will be difficult to repeat. Titans don’t boast many big names but are the perfect lunchpail team for new coach Ken Whisenhunt.

Patriots (-5) over DOLPHINS: The Pats’ defense could be the story of the season with Darrelle Revis arriving and Jerod Mayo and Vince Wilfork returning. But never sleep on Tom Brady, who will get to throw again to Rob Gronkowski.

BUCCANEERS (-2) over Panthers: This line moved four points on Cam Newton’s rib injury. For Bucs, Lovie Smith was a coaching upgrade, and new QB Josh McCown will have fun with Vincent Jackson and now-healthy Doug Martin.

49ers (-5) over COWBOYS: Niners “D” will miss injured NaVorro Bowman and suspended Aldon Smith, but Colin Kaepernick is licking his chops to face possibly the worst defense in the NFL.

BRONCOS (-7¹/₂) over Colts: Peyton Manning and the Broncos get their first chance to wipe off the stench of their 43-8 Super Bowl loss to Seattle. Colts are in wrong place at wrong time, missing three-fifths of their starting offensive line and suspended pass sack man Robert Mathis.

MONDAY NIGHT

Giants (+5¹/₂) over LIONS: If nothing else, the new West Coast offense makes Eli Manning less susceptible to the Lions’ best defensive asset, their pass rush. Preseason was a disaster, but new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo wasn’t calling the “real” plays yet. Giants also have the D-backs to contend with Calvin Johnson.

Chargers (+3) over CARDINALS: Good game if you can stay up for the 10:20 p.m. kickoff. Cards “D” that was tops in the NFL against the run in 2013 but lost two key LBs, Karlos Dansby (free agent) and Daryl Washington (suspended). John Abraham is in decline, and should we be impressed they added Antonio Cromartie?

THURSDAY NIGHT: Packers

LOCK OF THE WEEK: Buccaneers

BEST BETS: Buccaneers, Patriots, 49ers

2013 LOCKS: 8-10-1