Big Blue returns to MetLife as the post-Brian Daboll era gets underway in a matchup with the Packers on Sunday.
The Giants blew yet another double-digit lead in Week 10, suffering a fourth straight defeat in Chicago.
Meanwhile, the Packers come into town on a two-game losing streak, having fallen to the Eagles in a low-scoring “Monday Night Football” contest.
With both teams eager to get back into the win column, how each offense performs early is something to keep an eye.
Interim head coach Mike Kafka named Jameis Winston the starter in favor of Russell Wilson for Week 11. The NFL journeyman is next man up on the Giants’ quarterback carousel, with Jaxson Dart out and in concussion protocol.
No one really knows which version of Winston will show up come game day for the Giants. Known as a risk-taker, the NFL vet is prone to making errant passes and is very interception-friendly.
Winston should have ample chances to find Theo Johnson and Wan’Dale Robinson against a mid-level Green Bay secondary, but a strong Packers defensive line awaits, specifically a guy by the name of Micah Parsons.
The Packers’ defense has not allowed a touchdown in the first quarter, holding opposing teams to a league-best 0.7 points per game in the first 15 minutes. Green Bay has held seven of its nine opponents to zero first-quarter points this season.
Parsons, alongside Rashan Gary, is a lethal one-two punch at pass rush that can overwhelm any offensive line.
If Big Blue decides to establish the run with Tyrone Tracy Jr. or Devin Singletary, the Packers’ run defense is likely to hold up, as they allow only 91.8 yards on the ground per game.
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The Giants, on the other hand, are extremely generous to running backs.
Josh Jacobs’ fantasy owners are in luck this weekend. Big Blue’s run defense allows a league-worst 5.8 yards per carry and has given up an average of 202 rushing yards over its last three games.
The injury bug has hampered wide receiver options for Matt LaFleur, and with Love’s recent struggles, he’ll have no issues featuring Jacobs, whose anytime touchdown prop is -220 at DraftKings.
In addition to a new face at quarterback, the G-Men will also have yet another new placekicker, Younghoe Koo, making his home debut. However, even if New York can move the ball effectively, his accuracy issues that led to his release by the Falcons after Week 1 could be an issue.
It’s hard not to foresee Green Bay pitching yet another first-quarter shutout this weekend.
The Play: Giants First Quarter Total Points – Under 2.5 (+124, DraftKings) / Jameis Winston Interceptions thrown Over 0.5 (-215, DraftKings)
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Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.
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