The annual preseason battle for New York takes place in New Jersey when the Jets and Giants square off.
The Giants earned bragging rights last season but the teams have alternated wins and losses for the past six seasons. The Giants have the only regular season win during that time and the team’s will go after each other in Week 13 of the regular season.
ODDS
There is no home field advantage in this game since both teams share the same field, but the Giants get to wear dark uniforms and opened as 1.5-point chalk against their neighbors. The total surfaced at 42.5.
QUARTERBACK ROTATION
The Jets will likely keep four quarterbacks on the opening-season roster and two of those will not be playing against the Giants. Geno Smith is out for a few more weeks recovering from his busted jaw and recently-signed Matt Flynn is working on a hamstring problem. That leaves the rotation in the hands of Ryan Fitzpatrick and Bryce Petty. Both quarterbacks played much better in last week’s win over Atlanta with Fitzpatrick throwing for 118 yards playing into the second quarter. Petty looked like a different player against the Falcons, completing 12 of 19 attempts for 168 yards and a touchdown after a shaky opener.
While Eli Manning chips off the rust of the offseason, his backup Ryan Nassib has looked sharp. This allows Manning to get the work needed to sustain some drives. Look for the two to split the game with Manning getting first half reps. He threw for 139 yards against the Jets in Week 3 last season when the Giants came back for a 35-24 win. Nassib played the second half in that game tossing three scoring passes.
COACHES' MOTIVATION
After two preseason games the Giants starting offense has been a dud. Head coach Tom Coughlin has said he isn’t concerned, but he would like to get his first-team offense in sync before the regular season begins. Odell Beckham Jr. has not caught a pass while injuries kept him, Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle from taking the field at the same time in a 22-12 win over Jacksonville last week. The starters have put up only two field goals in seven possessions in the preseason. The Giants have scored only two touchdowns in two exhibition games and Coughlin has stated moving the football, and not necessarily scoring, is a point of emphasis against the Jets. The teams also play during Week 13 of the regular season so we’re likely to get plenty of vanilla on Saturday.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“Everybody knows me and you guys know me, I want to be out there with my teammates, but of course I’ve got to make sure I’m healthy before I get out there. I’m glad to be out here. I’m going to continue to get treatment and hopefully it feels good come Saturday so I can play.” – Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson dealing with a hamstring injury
POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH
The Giants suffered a big blow when safety Bennett Jackson tore his ACL late in last week’s game, considering he was competing for a starting role. It’s safe to say Jackson wouldn’t have been in the game if rookie Justin Currie hadn’t fractured his ankle earlier in the night. Now both safeties are out, although the Giants plan to have Landon Collins and Nat Berhe back at practice. Veteran Brandon Meriweather will get more reps as will Jeromy Miles and Cooper Taylor.
INJURIES
The Jets have been hit hard with injuries during camp. Linebackers Calvin Pace and Lorenzo Mauldin will not play against the Giants while defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson has been nursing a sore hamstring and is hopeful to play. Recently signed quarterback Matt Flynn has hamstring issues and tight end Jace Amaro has a shoulder sprain that will keep them out.
The most injured team over the past two seasons, the Giants are at it again. Jackson and linebacker Jon Beason are out while receivers Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle are recovering, but unlikely to play against the Jets.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Although both teams have plenty of work to do, bragging rights are at stake for the teams that share MetLife Stadium. Since the clubs face each other later in the regular season in Week 13, there’s likely less meaning than if they didn’t, but someone needs to be crowned before that matchup in December. Manning had his best preseason game last season against the Jets and he’s likely to break out after two unimpressive outings this year.
New York Giants 26, New York Jets 18
BookMaker opened the spread for this Saturday game at -1.5 in favor of the Giants. The NFL lines total surfaced at 42.5. Minute-by-minute spreads, totals and props are available for this game using the live betting platform at BookMaker.
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The matchup between the New York Jets and New York Giants will kick off Saturday, August 29, 2015, at 7 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium.
