Although they lost, Odell Beckham Jr. and the Giants must have let out a sigh of relief after getting out of Minnesota. Beckham was handcuffed in the Giants’ 24-10 loss by the Vikings’ merciless defense that limited the star wideout to 23 yards on three catches.
It should get better for Beckham, however, next week against the less stringent defense of Green Bay that ranks just 29th in the league against the pass. It’s the same news Eli Manning would like to hear, as he passed for only 261 yards on 25 of 25 completions with no touchdown and an interception. Manning’s protection unit didn’t allow a sack, though, which was another silver lining for the Giants.
The Giants are also hoping that running back Rashad Jennings (thumb) can finally come back after two-straight weeks of absence. Still, the Giants’ air attack holds the key in taking down the Green Bay’s defense, as the Packers don’t give much space for opposing running backs. The Packers leads the NFL in rushing defense with only 42.7 rushing yards allowed per game thus far this year.
The Giants are 3-1 SU and ATS in their last four trips to Lambeau Field.
Relax Packers fans, Green Bay’s offense is fine. After losing to Minnesota 17-14 in Week 2, the Packers returned to form with a 34-27 shootout victory over Detroit.
Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson had fun toying with the Lions’ pass defense, as the quarterback passed for 205 yards and four touchdowns without an interception on 15 of 24 completions. Nelson, meanwhile, caught six passes and turned it into 101 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns.
That doesn’t bode well for New York’s pass defense that was unable to keep Sam Bradford in check Monday. Bradford completed 26 of 36 passes for 262 yards with a TD and without an interception against the Giants. If Bradford could do that, just imagine the damage the much dangerous Rodgers could lay on New York this coming Sunday.
Then there’s Eddie Lacy, who is very much capable of bruising the Giants’ front seven. Lacy rushed for 103 yards on 17 carries against Detroit and he’ll be getting next New York’s weakening rushing defense that has allowed 194 total rushing yards over the last two weeks.
Green Bay is 7-3 SU and 5-5 ATS in its last 10 home games.
