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Andrew Rogers
Giants vs. Jets Point Spread: NFL Pre-Season Week 3 Odds, Prediction
The Giants and Jets both come into this week’s all-New York pre-season tussle Friday night at MetLife Stadium with running back issues. The Giants might have to do without super-rookie Saquon Barkley, who is dealing with a hamstring injury that has limited him to just four carries through two exhibition games. The Jets don’t have a fantastic freshman waiting in the wings – and that’s the problem, as they have just 113 rushing yards on 44 carries through two games.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
This line opened as low as -0.5, but has steadily been bet up to -2.5 – presumably because there’s a good chance Barkley doesn’t suit up against the rival Jets. The Giants have been a terrible option against the spread in recent pre-season action, having failed to cover in seven of their previous 10 exhibition contests. The Jets are headed in the other direction, having converted in seven of their last 11 pre-season encounters.
The total has also seen movement, rising a point or two from an opening of 40.5. The Giants have gone above the number in three of their previous four pre-season games following a stretch of four unders and a push in a five-game span. The Jets have been one of the more consistent under plays since the final week of the 2016 exhibition season, having gone below the number in six of their previous seven pre-season games – including both this year.
New York Giants
Being a pre-season underdog wasn’t a problem for the Giants earlier in the decade – they strung together six consecutive covers as a ‘dog between 2012 and 2014. But New York has failed to cover in three of five games as an underdog since, scoring just 20 total points in those three defeats. Barkley returned to practice Wednesday – his first on-field action in 10 days – but remains a question mark heading into Friday.
New York Jets
Quarterback Sam Darnold’s performance this week could go a long way in determining whether the No. 3 pick in the 2018 draft can unseat McCown and fend off newly acquired Teddy Bridgewater for the Week 1 starting duties. Darnold is expected to play the entire first half with the starting offense, while Bridgewater is scheduled to play the entire second half. The Jets approach the season as overwhelming +550 underdogs to reach the playoffs.
