The New York Giants have some heating up to do. After their first two preseason games, their passing offense is still in need of some more fine-tuning. On the other hand, the Indianapolis Colts are having trouble across the field, and even have a few injures to add to their headaches.
Read on for everything you’ll need to look out for heading into this preseason game , and while you’re at it take a look at our complete NFL Preseason Week 2 preview.
[sc:Football ]New York Giants vs. Indianapolis Colts Betting Preview and Prediction
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
When: Saturday, August 16, 7:00 PM ET
Line: New York Giants (+2.5) at Indianapolis Colts (-2.5); total 41.0 – view all NFL lines
Why This Game Matters
[sc:NFL240banner ]Quarterback Eli Manning barely played in the Giants’ two preseason games. The lack in playing time will likely prompt the Giants to let their QB play some more to get him settled with new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s strategies, something that will begin in earnest in Week 2.
On the other hand, the Indianapolis Colts are fighting through some injuries and their remaining preseason tilts will have the feel of auditions for the spots so recently vacated by injured players.
Betting on the New York Giants
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings ran 73 yards in the first quarter for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. Jennings finished with five carries for 85 yards and a TD. On the other hand, rookie Andre Williams impressed with seven carries for 48 yards and had a TD in New York’s Hall of Fame Game against Buffalo on August 3.
The Giants’ other RBs weren’t as fortunate, though. David Wilson was forced to retire due to his second neck injury in a year while Peyton Hillis missed the Giants’ second preseason game due to an ankle injury.
With the Jennings and Williams having a good start to their preseason, and the loss of Wilson and Hillis, the Giants have the leverage to focus on the top end of their passing offense, which has not seen much action in two games.
Starting QB Eli Manning will need to warm up as he barely got to play in New York’s past two preseason games. Manning played four series and was 0-for-2 for the Giants while completing six of seven passes for 42 yards against Pittsburgh. The QB will also need more experience handling the plays under new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo.
On the other hand, the Giants are set with a solid backup QB in Ryan Nassib, who completed 19 passes for 220 yards and one TD in two games. Behind Nassib for the backup QB spot is Curtis Painter. Painter has been accurate in the preseason completing all 10 of his passes.
Aside from the Giants’ passing and running games, their kicking seems to be on track. Both of the Giants’ kickers have been accurate in two preseason games thus far, converting all three field goal attempts, two of them 40-yarders.
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Betting on the Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck made a brief appearance in their preseason opener on Thursday, playing in just one efficient drive against the Jets. Luck went four of five for 53 yards and led Indianapolis to a field goal before giving way to veteran backup Matt Hasselback. Hasselbeck completed 10 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown.
The Colts offense put up paltry numbers in their preseason opener. They only managed 163 passing yards and 59 rushing yards, both far below their 2013 averages of 232.8 and 108.9 respectively. Yet, the biggest cause for concern in the Colts offense is their running game.
Veteran running back Ahmad Bradshaw sat out Thursday’s preseason opener against the Jets in an attempt to keep healthy. In Bradshaw’s place, RB Trent Richardson gained eight yards on his first carry against the Jets but was rendered ineffective the rest of the way as the Colts’ starters only played one drive.
Bradshaw has a notable string of injuries dating back to 2007 through 2013. The major cause of concern was the 10-year veteran’s neck injury which bothered him from Week Four of the regular season to their divisional playoff game against the New England Patriots. With his history of injuries it won’t be surprising if he doesn’t play against his former team, the New York Giants.
The Colts also have other injury woes as linebacker Daniel Adongo exited Thursday’s game with an injured left bicep, while offensive tackle Ulrick John suffered a leg injury in the second quarter of the Colts’ preseason opener. Center Khaled Holmes is also expected to miss the rest of the preseason, but will be ready to start in the regular season.
With all the injuries, the Colts may heed the warning and further limit the amount of time their starters play. For the Colts, it is more important to keep their starters healthy and fresh leading to their tough September 7 season opener against the Denver Broncos.
Writer’s Prediction
The Indianapolis Colts won’t be using up their starters longer than a quarter, expect the New York Giants to win this preseason game.
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