Detroit Lions +3 -105 @ New York Giants
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
September 18, 2017, 5:30PM Pacific
Our power rankings work makes the Lions and Giants virtual equals heading into week 2. However, favor tips slightly New York's way considering tonight's contest will be held at the Giants' MetLife Stadium. All things considered, we think the home team is still less than a field goal better then Detroit Monday night. As such, we are backing the road dogs to cover.
In week 1, after starting slowly in their home opener, Matt Stafford and the Lions posted 20 in the 4th to put away the Cardinals. Meanwhile, the Giants got trounced by the Cowboys in Arlington last week, registering only a solitary field goal in the score column. Granted, the Giants kicked off the 2017 season absent one Odell Beckham, Jr., who was 5th last year in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, but we do not expect the Giants offense to explode when Beckham's injured ankle heals.
To make the point that these New Yorks's (and Detroit's) offensive productivity in week 1 might be reasonably indicative of what fans should expect this year, consider that Football Outsiders forecast New York's O will finish the season ranked 19th, 8 spots south of Detroit's expected seeding. Further, the Giant's finished last year with an average (15th-ranked) offense, despite Beckham's participation.
Rotoworld quotes ESPN's Adam Schefter as saying the decision regarding Beckham is at present "up in the air ". Even if Beckham suits up though, we anticipate noticeable rust, given the star receiver has been hampered by his bad ankle since August. Conversely, if Beckham is announced inactive, expect the line to tighten significantly. Either way, we see value with the Lions at +3 or better.
Happy betting!!