Public Likes Giants
Two teams heading in different directions square off in New Jersey on Sunday as the New York Giants host the Cincinnati Bengals. Oddsmakers have made the Giants a 13-point favorite.
The Bengals are off to a horrible start after dropping their second game in as many weeks last Sunday when the Titans knocked Cincinnati off 24-7. Quarterback Carson Palmer and the rest of the Bengals’ offense have really struggled, and things might not get much better this weekend in New York. The Giants have one of the better defenses in the league and a fierce pass rush, led by defensive end Justin Tuck.
On the other side of the coin, the Giants are rolling along after picking up their second win of the season last week in St. Louis. Quarterback Eli Manning and running back Brandon Jacobs continue to impress, while the defense has shown no ill effects after losing Michael Strahan (retirement), Osi Umenyiora (season-ending injury) and Gibril Wilson (FA/Oakland). The Giants return home this week after winning their home opener against division rival Washington in Week 1.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SBG Global have made the Giants a 13-point favorite and the over/under total has been set at 41.5. Current public betting information shows that 65% of bettors favor New York to cover the 13-point spread.
At some point, the Bengals’ offense will snap out of its funk and get back on track. But it’s unlikely that they’ll turn things around this week against a very good New York defense. Palmer may continue to struggle going against a top Giants’ pass rush and the Cincinnati defense doesn’t have enough overall talent to hold Manning and the New York offense for four quarters. We predict the Giants over the Bengals 27-13.
Bengals at Giants Point Spread and Over/Under Total
Key Injuries:
CINCINNATI
[SS] Dexter Jackson is downgraded to expected to miss – Thumb – 09/17/08
[TE] Ben Utecht is downgraded to doubtful – Chest – 09/15/08
[WR] Chris Henry expected to miss first four games – Suspension – 08/31/08
[S] Herana-Daze Jones is downgraded to expected to miss – Hamstring – 09/17/08
[CB] Johnathan Joseph left last game, "?". – Ankle – 09/15/08
(!) [QB] Carson Palmer is probable. – Ankle – 09/17/08
[RB] Jeremi Johnson IR – Knee – 09/04/08
NY GIANTS
[FS] Michael Johnson is "?" – Stinger – 09/17/08
[DE] Osi Umenyiora IR – Knee – 08/26/08
[G] Shane Olivea IR – Back – 08/14/08
[K] Lawrence Tynes out indefinitely. – Leg – 08/21/08
[DE] Mathias Kiwanuka is "?" – Ankle – 09/17/08
[CB] R.W. McQuarters missed last game, %27?%27 – Calf – 09/14/08
[WR] David Tyree expected to miss at least six weeks. – Knee – 08/26/08
[CB] Terrell Thomas missed last game, %27?%27 – Hamstring – 09/14/08
Top Trends:
NY GIANTS are 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY GIANTS are 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
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