The New York Giants seemed to be headed for another disastrous season, but after the way they’ve played in each of their last two games, they might have new reason to hope.
Atlanta Falcons @ New York Giants
Sunday, October 5th – 1:00 PM ET
Odds: New York Giants (-4)
Why The Falcons Will Cover
They have a good quarterback, which is something the Giants’ last two opponents have not had. New York has feasted on bad quarterback play from the other sideline in its two-game winning streak. The Giants picked off Houston’s Ryan Fitzpatrick three times in a 30-17 win. Then, a week later, New York gleefully picked off four Washington Redskins passes from Kirk Cousins, and added two fumble recoveries as well in a 45-14 rout of their division rivals.
Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan is one of the better quarterbacks in the league. He doesn’t get the credit that other quarterbacks such as Russell Wilson and Andrew Luck receive, but he has shown this season that when he gets a reasonable amount of time in the pocket, he’s one of several quarterbacks who ranks just behind the top layer of superstars: Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Drew Brees. Ryan is in that second tier of quarterbacks, and so far this season, he’s helped the Falcons to once again field a top offense. If the Falcons can score 28 points, as they did in Minnesota last week, and they commit no turnovers, will the Giants be able to win? New York needs turnovers to score at least 30 points.
Why The Giants Will Cover
They are overflowing with confidence and have decisively shaken off the bad vibes that had been lingering far too long. It really does seem that the Giants have broken a spell and have emerged from the dark clouds that had been hanging over the team the previous few seasons. Eli Manning looked like his best vintage self last Thursday in the win over the Washington Redskins. He was in tune with his wide receivers. He always likes to identify and pick out the tight end when he can, so that he has an option on third down.
Manning has found a reliable connection with Larry Donnell in the red zone, using the tight end in much the same way that he did in the past with guys such as Jake Ballard and Bear Pascoe. Manning staggered through an awful 2013 season in which he never really found himself but now that he’s back in a groove, Eli might remain in the zone. Giants fans might see Eli return to where he was a few years ago, in 2011, guiding the Giants into the heart of the playoff picture. Atlanta’s defense gave up 41 points to a rookie quarterback, Minnesota Viking signal caller Teddy Bridgewater, last weekend. If Bridgewater can do that, Eli should be able to put up at least 35 points here.
Outlook
The Giants are better, but they have still benefited from others’ mistakes. Atlanta’s offense is going to be a lot more powerful than what the Giants have seen recently. The Falcons’ defense has a lot of problems, but their offense should outscore Big Blue.
Pick: Falcons +4
