The New York Giants and the New England Patriots have a special rivalry between them. This Thursday, a new face will bookmark another chapter in the rivalry, as Daniel Jones, and not Eli Manning, will take snaps under center against Tom Brady and the reigning Super Bowl champions. Read on for more about this game.
Daniel Jones suffered his first setback in the pro ranks in Week 5, as the Giants lost to the Minnesota Vikings, 28-10, at home, stopping New York’s two-game winning streak with the rookie quarterback as their starter. Jones struggled mightily in the face of Minnesota’s defense, as he passed for just 182 yards and a touchdown with an interception on 21-of-38 completions, while also getting sacked four times for a loss of 35 yards. The Giants, however, could be receiving some great news soon, as running back Saquon Barkley is reportedly close to a return and could possibly play in Week 6 in Foxboro. The Giants’ backfield is thin right now, especially after Wayne Gallman sustaining a concussion that led to his premature exit in the Minnesota game. If neither Barkley nor Gallman plays in Week 6, the Giants will likely start Jonathan Hillman at the running back slot. Hillman had 20 rushing yards on nine carries against the Vikings, and his presence is surely not going to be enough to rattle New England. The Giants need their passing attack to step it up along with Jones’ pass protection.
The Giants, who are averaging 19.4 points per game, are 8-2 against the spread (ATS) in their last 10 road games.
Betting on the New England Patriots (5-0)
The Patriots seemed to challenge themselves in the first half of their 33-7 road win over the Washington Redskins last Sunday to pass the ball and run with it as little as possible. Then they switched to a run-heavy attack in the second half probably just to kill the boredom. Tom Brady went 348 passing yards on 28-of-42 completions (31 attempts in the first half — a career-high) with three touchdowns and an interception. Sony Michel had 91 rushing yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Brady and the Patriots’ offense are starting at yet another sitting duck in the form of the Giants, who are third-worst in the NFL in total defense, allowing 409.4 total yards per game. On the flip side, the Patriots are third in the league with 31.0 points and 12th with 378.2 total yards per game. The Pats can also win with their defense, which is widely regarded as the best in the pros today. The Pats are allowing just 6.8 points per game and 238.4 total yards per contest — also No. 1 in the NFL. Daniel Jones hasn’t done anything to the Patriots, but he’s likely to feel the wrath of New England, as though he beat that team twice in the Super Bowl.
The Patriots are 3-1 ATS in their last four home games.
