Week 2 of the NFL season kicks off tonight in America’s capital as the New York Giants take on the Washington Football Team. Oddsmakers are expecting a close game as Washington is currently listed as a three-and-a-half-point favorite at most online sportsbooks (ESPN).
Both teams suffered the agony of defeat in Week 1 so expect both of them to be focused for this division rivalry. Let’s take a look at each team’s offense and defense to determine which team may have the edge in tonight’s NFC East matchup.
New York Offense vs. Washington Defense
Giants QB Daniel Jones played pretty well in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. The former first-round draft pick out of Duke finished 22 of 37 for 267 yards and one touchdown in the Giants’ 27-13 loss. Jones will have to get rid of the ball quickly tonight against the ferocious defensive line of Washington.
Though the Giants’ passing game looked okay, the running game was terrible against the Broncos. The offensive line couldn’t create much of a push and the Giants finished with only 60 rushing yards on 20 carries. Star running back Saquon Barkley looked tentative in his first game back and is listed as questionable for tonight’s game against Washington.
The Giants receiving corps looks to be much improved this year. Sterling Shepard torched the Denver defense last week for 113 yards and a touchdown while Darius Slayton and Kenny Golladay combined for seven catches. This unit has got to get more production out of first-round pick Kadarius Toney against the Washington secondary.
Washington Offense vs. New York Defense
Washington QB Ryan Fitzpatrick injured his hip during the team’s Week 1 loss to the Chargers and is expected to miss six to eight weeks. 28-year old Taylor Heinicke will now be Washington’s starting QB. The former Old Dominion star was efficient against the Chargers by completing 11 of 15 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown. How will Heinicke do against this tough Giants defense?
Star running back Antonio Gibson ran the ball decently against the Chargers (20 carries for 90 yards) but fumbled the ball at the worst possible time. Gibson is a fierce competitor though and he should bounce back in a big way against the Giants.
The Washington receiving corps has plenty of talent but offensive coordinator Scott Turner has got to find more ways to get Terry McLaurin the football. The former Ohio State star only had four catches for 62 yards in Week 1.
The Pick: UNDER 41
We don’t feel confident in either team tonight but we do love the defense of both of these squads. Both teams have dominant defensive lines that know how to create pressure on quarterbacks. We also don’t expect either team to have any success running the football.
These two teams typically play low-scoring affairs when they meet. In fact, 20 out of the last 28 meetings between these two teams have stayed under the posted total. Take the Under and cheer for defense! Good luck!