NFL ATS Picks - Detroit Lions at New York Giants Game Preview

The New York Giants had high expectations heading into 2017, but got off to a slow start in a loss to the Cowboys. They head home for Week 2 and need to take care of business against a solid Detroit Lions team.

Detroit rallied to knock off the Cardinals in its opener as quarterback Matthew Stafford had a stellar showing. The Giants’ offense sputtered without Odell Beckham, Jr. and even a solid showing by the defense wasn’t enough.

Both of these teams figure to be in the playoff race this season and have similar talent levels. This is the type of game that could have ramifications down the line even though we are only in the second week of the season. The Lions could turn some heads with another win while the Giants really must avoid an 0-2 start.

This contest in Week 2 of the regular season will go down Monday, September 18, 2017, at 8:30 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium.

Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu

Detroit Lions +3
New York Giants -3
Over/Under 43.5

Odds Analysis

The Giants are only three-point favorites, which is the standard number given to teams with the home field advantage, so the oddsmakers believe these teams have very similar levels of talent on the roster. The Giants are currently getting the majority of the action to cover.

The scoring total is pretty low and the “under” is thus far the more popular play.

Injury Report

Beckham- The Giants’ star receiver missed the opener after suffering a sprained ankle in the preseason, but there is some optimism that he will play in this one. Beckham was an instant sensation as a rookie and has gone over 1,300 yards of receiving in each year of his career. New York took a nosedive without him in the lineup against Dallas and badly needs him back for this affair. If Beckham doesn’t play, it will unquestionably hurt the Giants’ chances of winning.

Ezekiel Ansah - The Lions’ star defensive end played against the Cardinals in the opener despite a knee injury and should be ready to go for this one. Detroit does not have a great pass rush and Ansah is definitely the most established of that group on the line. Eli Manning looked shaky in the opener, and if Ansah can get in his face regularly the Giants’ offense could stumble again.

Matchup To Watch

Detroit passing game vs. New York secondary -- Stafford started slowly against a stout Cardinals defense but came alive late. He ended up tossing four touchdown passes, including a pair of late ones to rookie Kenny Golladay.

While Stafford has really picked up his game over the last couple of seasons, he faces a tough group of defensive backs. Landon Collins is a star safety for the Giants, while Janoris Jenkins and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are a formidable duo at cornerback.

The Giants win this matchup, because their offense is not super explosive. If Stafford makes plays through the air like he did against Arizona, Detroit will have a great chance at beginning the season 2-0.

Free ATS Pick

Beckham proved his worth by not being available in the opener, and all eyes will be on him for this Monday Night affair. The feeling is that he plays, which will give the Giants the critical playmakers they need on offense. Even so, the Lions are better than people give them credit for.

Take the Giants to win, but this one is going to be super close. The Lions are the choice to cover the spread by the slimmest of margins. The “under” is the correct call as points could be in high demand in this matchup. New York is going to struggle in this one and will be lucky to emerge victorious.

NFL Odds: Giants 21, Lions 20

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