The New York Giants returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2011 in Ben McAdoo’s first season as head coach in the Big Apple. They went on to get smashed by the Green Bay Packers in the wild card round, but laid the groundwork for success down the road. The GMEN have gotten some love in the Super Bowl LII futures market, yet only head into 2017-18 with a win total of 8.5. They won 11 games yet only ranked No. 26 in points scored a short season ago. This team just might by flying under the radar. Remember, they swept the series with the Cowboys last year and look to be a better team on paper this time around.
New York Giants Futures Odds at BookMaker.eu
Giants Over 8.5 Wins -143
Giants Under 8.5 Wins +1119
2017 Giants Offense Preview
With nothing much to speak of behind him, this unit’s success ultimately hinges upon Eli Manning bouncing back from last year’s rough season and staying healthy. While he threw for over 4,000 yards, his interceptions were up and passing rating down. The acquisition of Brandon Marshall should help quickly remedy that, as will the addition of TE/WR Evan Engram in the draft who has the makeup to become a very dangerous weapon for New York’s offense.
Even if neither of those two truly pan out, Manning still gets the benefit of throwing to one of the best wide receivers in the game in Odell Beckham Jr. The duo combined for 101 receptions and 1,367 yards last season. ODB led the team in touchdowns with 10, and was able to do it with one of the worst ground attacks in the game. Should Paul Perkins force opposing defenses to respect the run, this is going to be an awfully tough offense to defend.
2017 Giants Defense Preview
The Giants returned to the playoffs on the back of this unit last season. New York ranked No. 10 in total yards allowed per game ( 339.7 ), and was an absolute bear to run on with it limiting opposing ground attacks to just 88.6 yards per game ( No. 3 ). While the pass defense left a bit to be desired, safety Landon Collins proved to be worth all that money sent his way last offseason. The 23-year old really flourished in his sophomore season collecting 100 solo tackles and picking off four passes.
Jason Pierre-Paul was back to harassing quarterbacks and played with a fire in his belly seen in his earlier days. He and Olivier Vernon are back to once again wreak havoc in opposing backfields. A ton of money was shelled out prior to the 2016-17 season to reshape the defense. The move worked, and 10 of 11 starters from the unit returns looking to build upon last year’s fantastic effort.
2017 New York Giants Schedule Analysis
We’ll get a good idea of what the Giants are truly about right from the onset. They open with a huge road game against the Dallas Cowboys who are no doubt the team’s biggest competitor for NFC East bragging rights. They then get the Detroit Lions in their home opener before closing the first month of the season up on the road at Philadelphia and Tampa Bay; also two improved teams.
The schedule opens up from there with three of their next five games to be played against teams that put forth losing records a season ago. However, the last seven weeks are brutal with games set to go against Kansas City, Washington twice, Oakland, Dallas, Philadelphia and Arizona. Getting three of their final four games at home is a nice reprieve however.
The Final Verdict
The GMEN couldn’t do much of anything right on offense last season, yet still managed to tally 11 overall wins and went 9-6-1 against the spread to boot. The offense was improved a ton this past offseason, and the dominating defense returns almost completely intact. The recipe is certainly there for New York to make another run at a Super Bowl title with Manning at the helm. However, there are some glaring issues with this team that has me pulling up on the reins just a bit.
The offensive line allowed the third fewest sacks in the league, but had all kinds of issues opening holes for the running game. That front wall returns almost intact, and it will need to make opposing defenses account for their ground game. If not, Manning’s efficiency will suffer regardless of the new toys brought in. Another problem I have is with the depth of the defense. There isn’t much of any. A major injury up front or in the secondary would drastically weaken the unit as a whole. Should the ground game improve and the roster remain injury free, New York will stomp its way past this disrespectful win total.
NFL Odds: New York Giants Over 8.5 Wins -143
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
