From a bettor’s standpoint, anyone who is not a die-hard Giants fan and took Big Blue at +7.5 points last week in Denver likely walked away feeling satisfied with the outcome. The Giants faced a heartbreaking 33-32 loss to the Broncos, a game where they initially led 19-0 early in the fourth quarter and held a 26-8 advantage just over four minutes before the final whistle.
This dramatic collapse was fueled by a series of unfortunate events. A critical interception thrown by Jaxson Dart during a play that should have been a running call ultimately cost the Giants their momentum. Additionally, Jude McAtamney’s missed extra point after the Giants had reclaimed the lead cast further shadows on their performance. Coupled with a defensive breakdown and questionable strategic choices, the Giants allowed the Broncos to score an astonishing 33 points in the fourth quarter, leaving Denver well short of covering the spread.
For bettors not supporting the Giants, there were still plenty of positives to glean from the game. Dart’s performance was commendable as he completed three touchdown passes and effectively utilized a mix of lesser-known receivers in the absence of Malik Nabers. It is rare for any team to dominate the Broncos for three quarters, especially at Mile High Stadium, as the Giants did.
However, the visual of the Giants trudging off the field—especially the expressions of a dejected Dart and a furious Brian Burns—raises concerns about whether this loss will linger in the minds of the players. With a crucial upcoming matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, the question remains: can they recover in time? If players begin to doubt the in-game decisions made by head coach Brian Daboll and defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, or question general manager Joe Schoen’s choice of a sub-NFL level kicker, the implications could be significant.
There are two main reasons to consider backing the Eagles as 7.5-point favorites at Lincoln Financial Field. Firstly, they are just two and a half weeks removed from a 34-17 defeat at the hands of the Giants at MetLife Stadium. This quick turnaround presents an opportunity for a classic revenge scenario. Secondly, the Eagles have successfully integrated their passing game into their offense, evidenced by a recent 28-22 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Quarterback Jalen Hurts excelled, completing 19 of 23 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns, with both DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown delivering standout performances.
In their previous encounter with the Giants, the Eagles relied heavily on the Tush Push play but now present a more multifaceted offensive threat. Even with Brown sidelined due to a hamstring injury, the Giants' defense faces a tougher challenge, potentially paving the way for Saquon Barkley to have a breakout performance this season. From both practical and psychological perspectives, this game appears poised for a double-digit victory for Philadelphia, making the pick: Eagles -7.5.
The Cincinnati Bengals are favored at -6.5 over the New York Jets. Recent comments by Jets owner Woody Johnson have sparked controversy, particularly his comments about quarterback Justin Fields. This dynamic could serve as a distraction for the team, but may also motivate them to perform better. With Fields set to start due to an injury to Tyrod Taylor, the spread remains surprisingly low.
This matchup sees the Miami Dolphins at +7.5 against the Atlanta Falcons. Surprisingly, the Dolphins are averaging more points per game than the Falcons, making this an intriguing matchup. Stay tuned for updates on Michael Penix Jr.’s knee injury status, which could impact the game’s outcome.
The New England Patriots are positioned as -7 favorites against the Cleveland Browns. With quarterback Drake Maye leading the charge, the Patriots are on a four-game winning streak, including three victories on the road. While the Browns boast a strong yardage defense, their performance in points allowed tells a different story.
The Buffalo Bills are favored at -7 against the Carolina Panthers, who are likely to start Andy Dalton in place of Bryce Young. The Bills are coming off two losses and a bye week, making them a formidable opponent, especially with their top-ranked rushing offense led by Josh Allen.
The Chicago Bears are +6.5 underdogs against the Baltimore Ravens. With the Ravens announcing Tyler Huntley as the starter, the betting line has shifted. Despite some injury concerns for the Bears, taking the points could be a wise decision.
In this matchup, the San Francisco 49ers are +1.5 against the Houston Texans. The line has shifted due to uncertainty surrounding Brock Purdy, but even with injuries, the 49ers still hold an advantage.
The New Orleans Saints are under pressure against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they deal with numerous key injuries. Quarterback Baker Mayfield’s knee injury could significantly affect his performance, making this a challenging situation for the Saints.
Surprisingly, the Indianapolis Colts are -14.5 favorites against the Tennessee Titans. After a dominant 41-20 victory in their last meeting, the Colts look to continue their success with a powerful offensive presence.
The Dallas Cowboys are +3.5 against the Denver Broncos. After the Broncos’ near loss to the Jets and their recent struggles against the Giants, this matchup presents an opportunity for Dallas to capitalize.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are +3 against the Green Bay Packers. Following an embarrassing loss to Joe Flacco, the Steelers aim to regroup and showcase their defensive strength in a crucial Sunday night game.
The Kansas City Chiefs are favored at -12.5 against the Washington Commanders. This line surged after Jayden Daniels was ruled out due to injury, and with playoff aspirations, the Chiefs are motivated to secure a win.
To recap, the best bets for this week include the Bengals, Cowboys, and Chiefs. The lock of the week is the Bengals, aiming to improve their standing. Last week’s record was 9-6 overall and 3-0 on best bets. As the NFL season progresses, stay tuned for updates and insights on upcoming games and betting strategies.
