New York Giants @ Washington Commanders - September 15, 2024

As a die-hard NFL fan, I know that divisional matchups are always a recipe for drama, and Sunday’s clash between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders is no exception. With both teams stumbling out of the gates – each holding a record of 0-1 – it’s safe to say there’s some serious urgency on the line when these two rivals meet at Northwest Stadium.

Oddsmakers have opened the Commanders as -3-point favorites, which in a matchup as heated as this one could feel more than just a three-point edge. Washington’s recent form has not exactly been stellar; they were thoroughly outplayed by the Buccaneers last week, falling 37-20 and failing to cover the spread. Meanwhile, the Giants faced a notably tough defeat against the Vikings, losing 28-6 and not even coming close to hitting the spread either.

When breaking down the performance of each team, it’s clear that Washington has shown they can put points on the board, averaging 20 points in their opener with a commendable passing game boasting a completion percentage of around 70.8%. However, it’s their defense that still seems to be in need of significant improvement. With the Giants averaging only 6 points in their last game, we can expect them to be hungry for redemption. The Giants have had mixed results, going 6-2 against the spread (ATS) in their last eight games, but they’ve also struggled in recent contests, going 1-4 straight up in their last five games.

What makes this matchup intriguing is the sheer volatility both teams have displayed. Washington’s offensive stats show promise, especially with a solid rushing attack averaging 138 yards per game and a steady 7.7 yards per attempt. If they can find a way to exploit the Giants’ defensive weaknesses, they could find success once again. Meanwhile, the Giants have shown a penchant for strong defensive play, despite their struggles on offense.

Given the nature of this rivalry, I predict that the Giants will rise to the occasion and put their best foot forward against the Commanders. The Giants not only have the potential to pull the upset, but I also see them covering the spread as underdogs. With Washington showing inconsistency and facing pressure to perform, the giant-killers could seize the moment.

In terms of the total points, I anticipate the game will trend under the total of 42.5. With the Giants’ offense still adjusting and finding its footing, I expect a battle of defenses rather than a shootout. As we know, the underdog pulling off an upset often aligns with them covering the spread. So, if you’re looking for a bet to make, ride with the Giants—an unexpected outcome that might just play out on Sunday.

In the end, get ready for a game with the edge of intensity that only a rivalry can bring. The stakes are high, and the Giants may very well shock the Commanders in front of their home crowd!