The New York Giants sat their dynamic passing duo of quarterback Eli Manning and wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. in the preseason opener, and not surprisingly they lost 27-10 to the Dolphins. Both could be on track to play in Week 2 of the preseason against the Buffalo Bills, and their availability could play a key role in the outcome. The Giants are road underdogs but could escape with a victory, but only if they get some early production from the quarterback and his star receiver. If they only play a series or two, it may not be enough to have an impact on the outcome.
This Week 2 preseason duel will be held on Saturday, August 20th, 2016, at 4 p.m. ET at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo, New York.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
New York Giants +2.5
Buffalo Bills -2.5
Odds Analysis
These teams are pretty even in talent level alone, but the Bills are the favorites based on the home field advantage. Coach Rex Ryan uses a variety of defensive looks during the season, and it will be interesting to see if he remains vanilla or goes exotic here in the preseason. Any inkling one way or another could help affect the points total in NFL betting.
Quarterback Rotation
Eli Manning didn’t play in the first game, and as a veteran, doesn’t need much tune-up time during the preseason. If coach Ben McAdoo reveals the playing time consideration for Manning in this one, it could help give bettors a clearer picture of how the game will unfold.
Giants backup Ryan Nassib got the start in the opener, and while he started well, the second quarter was one to forget. Nassib finished the loss opening game loss 7-of-15 for 75 yards and two interceptions. Logan Thomas was the other quarterback who saw time for New York, and he finished 2-of-3 for 12 yards. Thomas is raw and not a great passer, so he shouldn’t be expected to put up big numbers in relief of Nassib and Manning.
Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor played very little in the team’s 19-18 opening game loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Taylor finished 2-of-3 for seven yards and is another player who has established himself in the NFL and doesn’t need a ton of work.
Buffalo’s backups have more talent than New York’s. Rookie Cardale Jones played well against the Colts, finishing 11-of-21 for 162 yards and a touchdown. E.J. Manuel, the team’s backup, was 1-of-18 for 91 yards and a touchdown and should be able to put up some pretty good numbers this preseason as he primarily goes against backups.
Coaching History
New York Giants coach Ben McAdoo is a first-time coach and lost his debut. However, McAdoo has shown he’s not very concerned about wins or losses in the preseason as he decided to sit Eli Manning and then scratched Odell Beckham because of rainy field conditions.
Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan has a career preseason record of 13-16. The Colts didn’t play quarterback Andrew Luck in last week’s game but still was able to squeak out a victory. Ryan has gone 2-2 in the preseason in five of his previous seasons.
Free ATS Pick
If the Giants send out Manning and Beckham for a good amount of time, they will have the early advantage. However, the Bills have better depth at the quarterback spot, as Nassib and Thomas aren’t super impressive backups. If Cardale Jones and E.J. Manuel play well and Tyrod Taylor sees more time under center, it could be enough to lift Buffalo to a victory and get the team back to .500 this preseason in NFL betting.
NFL Odds: Bills 23, Giants 13
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