The New York Giants have been basically the only thorn in the side of the New England Patriots during the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era. Twice the Patriots have taken the field in the Super Bowl against the Giants during this time period, and both times the Giants won as underdogs, including that win after the 2007 season that ruined what would have been a perfect season for the Patriots. Now the Giants come to Gillette Stadium without Eli Manning, their quarterback who has beaten Tom Brady twice in Super Bowls, as Manning has been sent to the bench, replaced by rookie Daniel Jones. The Giants got two wins out of Jones before falling to Minnesota on Sunday, while the Patriots remained perfect with a 33-7 shellacking of Washington. Can the Patriots cover this 16-point spread? Or will the Giants pull off another surprise? Don’t miss our NFL betting preview of this Thursday Night Football matchup.
Giants vs Patriots 2019 NFL Week 6 Odds & Game Preview
Coach Pat Shurmur: “We just have to get back to work” pic.twitter.com/HeywZjsUU3
— New York Giants (@Giants) October 7, 2019
When: Thursday, October 10, 2019, 8:20pm ET Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA TV: FOX / NFL Network Radio: Westwood One Live Stream: ESPN+ NFL Week 6 Odds: New England -16
Why should you bet on the Giants?
Tight end Evan Engram, speaking to the press after the Giants fell by 18 to the Vikings at home on Sunday, said, “There’s no doubt in our minds that we can go up there [to New England] and compete with this team and go get a win. We don’t have any doubt.” That is quite a bit of confidence, given that the Patriots have a +121 point differential over five games this season. The next best team has a +50 margin.
What does Daniel Jones bring that Eli Manning did not? Primarily, it is Jones’ mobility that makes the rookie quarterback a challenge. He has shown that he will run for first downs if the coverage does not give him anything down the field. That worked terrifically in the Giants’ win over Washington. However, the Vikings did a much better job of applying pressure while also containing Jones, and they won easily. Saquon Barkley may return, but it is unlikely that he makes the Giants more than a one-dimensional team, as Jones is still a bit shaky on balls down the field. If you like the Giants to cover, you see New England coming out soft, like they did against Buffalo and Washington — but fail to wake up in time to cover.
Why should you put your money on the Patriots?
The Patriots have put up 31 points per game this season, third-best in the National Football League. They are picking up almost 280 yards per game through the air, which is sixth-best. New York had a difficult time defending Minnesota’s passing attack. The Vikings’ top two receivers, Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs, had caught just 25 balls between them until Week 5. Julian Edelman, despite missing some time with a chest injury, has 29 catches for 336 yards all by himself.
There is also the Patriots’ defense, which has permitted just four offensive touchdowns so far this season. One of them came in the early going against Washington on Sunday, which also represented the first time New England had trailed in a game this season. The Patriots quickly remedied that, running off 33 unanswered points to finish the contest. Tom Brady did not have to finish the game, as Jarrett Stidham came on in relief to mop up the victory. If you like New England, you see them simply dismantling another team that is well behind them on the quality curve.
Final Score Prediction
I was skeptical about the Giants drafting Daniel Jones so early; while he provided an early spark, it remains to be seen whether or not he can develop into a franchise quarterback. I see the Patriots cruising to another big win, with a final score of 38-16.
