Eli Manning and the New York Giants came oh so close to ending the Patriots’ unbeaten run this season. But they ultimately dropped a 27-26 decision on a last-second New England field goal. Still, the Giants enjoyed their bye week while watching division rivals Washington and Philadelphia lose on Sunday.
New York can now take a one step further towards securing NFC East crown with a crucial road game against Washington in Week 12. Can the Giants extend their lead, or will the Redskins spring a surprise? Read on as we break down this crucial NFC East showdown.
Get some more football action with our complete previews for the Panthers vs. Cowboys and Ravens vs. Browns.
[sc:Football ]New York Giants vs. Washington Redskins Preview
Where: FedEx Field, Landover
When: Sunday, November 29, 1:00 PM ET
Line: New York Giants at Washington Redskins – view all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: FOX
Betting on the New York Giants (5-5)
Eli Manning had a monster game in Week 10, passing for 361 yards with a pair of touchdowns in an unfortunate 27-26 loss to the New England Patriots. The Giants had a shot to win that game by taking a two-point lead with just 1:47 left in regulation. However, Tom Brady and the Patriots drove 44 yards before settling for a 54-yard field goal with just a second left to win the game.
Manning could be up for another monster outing this coming Sunday, considering the Giants are 5-0 against Washington since the 2013 season. The Giants quarterback threw for 1,216 yards for 11 touchdowns and just three interceptions in those five games.
[sc:NFL240banner ]Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. remains as Manning’s perfect target downfield after accounting for 104 yards and a score against New England in Week 10. Beckham caught seven passes for 79 yards and a score in the first game against the Redskins in Week 3, but is coming into this matchup on the heels of three straight 100-yard games.
Reuben Randle is a solid backup target with 12.2 yards per reception this season, but the re-signing of Hakeem Nicks after Victor Cruz was placed on injured reserve t could be the X-factor that the Giants passing game needs. Nicks was Manning’s most targeted wide receiver with 520 receptions for over 4,500 yards from 2009-2013. While Nicks may not put up a monster game right out of the gates, he could still spread out opposing defenses with his presence alone.
The Giants had a big day on the other side of the ball in their first matchup against Washington this season, with Prince Amukamara and Uani’ Unga each picking off Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins in that contest. And now with Jason Pierre-Paul back for his third game of the season, New York could cause the Redskins into some crucial mistakes via the pass rush as well.
The Giants are 5-0 ATS in their last five contests against Washington.
Betting on the Washington Redskins (4-6)
The Washington Redskins were blown out of the water in a 44-16 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Quarterback Kirk Cousins struggled to get going against the Panthers, passing for just 207 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He was also sacked five times in the loss. The less-than-stellar performance came just one week after throwing for a career-high four touchdowns in a 47-14 rout of New Orleans.
It didn’t help that Washington’s running backs had a listless performance, rushing 12 times for 14 miserable yards. Alfred Morris aggravated a rib injury and left the game after two carries for no gain. Backup Matt Jones rushed for no gain on five carries and caught two passes for 12 yards against the Panthers. Jones also lost his fourth fumble of the season, which leaves the Redskins rushing offense in shambles with an injured starter and a turnover-prone backup.
The Redskins shouldn’t be too concerned if they can’t run the ball with frequency and authority. Cousins could have a monster game against the Giants’ league-worst passing defense, allowing 309.9 yards per game. He also has wide receiver DeSean Jackson back to power the receiving corps. Jackson had a team-high 87 receiving yards and a score against the Panthers.
Furthermore, Cousins has other viable targets in tight end Jordan Reed along with wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Jamison Crowder. The three are the only players in the receiving corps with 400 yards receiving or more, with Reed hauling in a team-high six TDs.
Engaging the Giants in a shootout is crucial to mask Washington’s sketchy passing defense. While the Redskins allow only 234.1 yards passing per game, they have allowed the fourth-most passing touchdowns in the league (20).
The Redskins have won four straight at home, going 3-1 ATS.
Writer’s Prediction
The Giants edge Washington in a thriller. Create a betting account now and cash in on all the exciting games this NFL season.
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