NFL News and Notes Monday 12/21

NY GIANTS (7 - 6) at WASHINGTON (4 - 9)

Top Trends for this game.
NY GIANTS are 32-18 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
NY GIANTS are 32-18 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
NY GIANTS are 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
NY GIANTS are 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
NY GIANTS are 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY GIANTS is 4-1 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
NY GIANTS is 4-1 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

NY GIANTS vs. WASHINGTON
NY Giants are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games
NY Giants are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games
Washington is 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games when playing NY Giants
Washington is 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing NY Giants

NY GIANTS at WASHINGTON
NY GIANTS: 5-1 ATS off BB division games
WASHINGTON: 0-7 ATS after allowing 99 or less rushing yards BB games

Can the 'Skins upset New York?
By Judd Hall

After five weeks of play in the NFL’s regular season, the Giants appeared to be on their way for another strong run at a championship with a 5-0 start. Now New York (7-6 straight up, 5-8 against the spread) is just hoping to stay alive in the playoff race when they take on the Redskins on ESPN’s Monday Night Football at 8:20 p.m. EST.

The G-Men find themselves in this precarious position after last week’s unsettling 45-38 setback to Philadelphia as one-point home pups. New York is currently sitting in seventh place in the NFC playoff race, one game behind the Cowboys. It was the latest in a long line of disappointments for Big Blue, who are mired in a 2-6 skid.

Eli Manning had a great outing in a losing effort by completing 27-of-38 passes for 391 yards and three touchdowns. It was the first time since Week 9 against San Diego that the Giants’ signal caller hadn’t thrown an interception.

We shouldn’t be so surprised by the fact that Manning had went so long with throwing the ball to the opposition. This whole squad has been playing the roles of “Jekyll” and “Hyde” during the 2009 campaign.

New York’s offense was averaging 407.4 yards per game and converting 47.9 percent of their third-downs in the first five weeks of the season. In the eight fixtures since then, they’re gaining 360.5 YPG and converting on third-down 37.9 percent of the time.

Manning was also getting better protection in the first five weeks in getting sacked just three times and throwing two picks. Since then, he’s getting sacked 2 ½ times per game and has thrown nine balls away to the enemy.

The Giants’ defense opened the year on a roll as well. They were giving up just 210.6 YPG and holding opponents to a 24.3 percent success rate on third-down. Now Big Blue is allowing 365.1 YPG to the opposition as they’re converting on 43.3 percent of their third-downs.

Tom Coughlin’s stopping unit has also failed to reach the quarterback right now. Consider the fact that they had 14 sacks and five interceptions in Weeks 1 through 5. In the eight games since then, the Giants have brought the QB down 13 times and have picked off just five passes.

So why has there been such a turnaround in the stats? Consider the quality of teams the Giants are playing. To start the year, those five teams have a combined 20-45 record. During this slump, New York has faced teams that are a combined 71-33.

While the Giants still have a shot at the playoffs, Washington (4-9 SU, 7-6 ATS) is just looking to ruin a rival’s season right now. But we can honestly say that the Redskins are currently playing their best football.

The ‘Skins have gone just 2-3 SU over their last five games, but have paid off bettors by covering the spread on each of those occasions. You can look towards Washington’s Jason Campbell as the biggest reason for the inspired play.

Over his last five starts, Campbell has completed 64 percent of his passes for 1,269 yards, eight scores and five interceptions. Those numbers are impressive since he was flattened by the defense eight times for sacks in that stretch.

Washington needs its signal caller to put up big numbers right now as its running game has gone bye-bye with Clinton Portis (concussion) and Ladell Betts (ACL, MCL) are both out for the rest of the season on Injured Reserve.

The Redskins’ running game now consists of Rock Cartwright and Quinton Ganther. This duo has combined to run for 323 yards and two touchdowns over the last five matches for Washington, with Ganther finding the end zone twice last week against Oakland.

Washington will also have to find a way to shore up its passing defense. The ‘Skins currently rank fourth in the NFL by giving up just 188.0 YPG through the air. However, they have allowed 276.0 YPG over their last three matchups. Plus, New York already picked up 248 passing yards and a score in the season opener against them.

The recent trends from how both sides are fairing make it pretty easy to see why the Giants are just three-point road favorites with a total of 43 ½ at most betting shops. You can, however, shop around to other sportsbooks and get New York as a 2 ½-point “chalk.” Bettors can grab hold of a plus-120 return (risk $100 to win $120) for the Redskins to win the game outright.

Randy Scott, sportsbook manager for betED, offers up the oddsmaker’s point of view. ““The Redskins line does have some tangible insight to it. The ‘Skins have been a bettors’ best bet lately as they’ve covered their last five contests. And Washington has played very well in its past three games: hanging tough with the Eagles in a 27-24 loss as a 9½-point road pup, losing a heartbreaker to New Orleans 33-30 as a nine-point home underdog and then beating the Raiders handily 31-13 as a one-point road favorite.”

Scott continues, “Washington is playing their best football right now. The Giants, on the other hand, have let the bettors down and have not covered as favorites in five straight decisions. New York is the better team always beat the Skins in Landover. Given the G-men’s defensive struggles, however, (Jason) Campbell could shine under Jim Zorn’s offense.”

When you’re looking at the head-to-head meetings, then you’ll side with New York. The G-Men have posted a 6-1 SU and 5-1-1 ATS mark since 2006.

Against opponents from the NFC East, the Giants have been your winner more often than not. They’ve gone 3-2, but just 2-3 against divisional foes this season. Washington, on the other hand, is 0-4 SU and 3-1 ATS for the year against the rest of the NFC East.

The recent history between these teams shows that the ‘under’ is on a 5-2 run. That stat would give you plenty of ammo to play on a low total since the low scores have been the recent order on Monday nights, seeing the ‘under’ go on a 6-0 run.

Funny thing about the MNF games is that the ‘over’ cashed in the first eight editions this season. That would fit along nicely with the ‘over’ going a combined 8-1 between two teams versus the NFC East. These two teams have also collected an ‘over’ record of 15-10-1 in 2009.

Washington has not fared too well over the years when made a home pup Monday night. A 1-4 SU and 2-3 ATS mark verifies that fact. It also doesn’t help that the ‘Skins have dropped their last three MNF tilts, both SU and ATS.

The Giants historically haven’t been that much better as road favorites on MNF, as evidenced by a 3-4 SU and 2-5 ATS record. I will say that New York is 3-1 SU and 2-2 ATS in its last four tilts.

vegasinsider.com

Game Of The Day: N.Y. Giants at Washington Redskins
By JON KUIPERIJ

The 7-6 Giants desperately need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive when they travel to the nation's capitol to face the 4-9 Washington Redskins.

New York's hopes of winning the NFC East pretty much died last week with a 45-38 loss to the Eagles, but the Giants still have a decent shot at the postseason if they can win out.

The Redskins have been playing some inspired football lately under lame duck coach Jim Zorn. Washington has won two of its past five games and its three losses during that span all came by a field goal or less.

Line movement

Books opened the Giants as 3-point favorites with the juice shaded to the Redskins. The G-Men are currently favored by 1 to 2.5 points. The total was posted at 42 and has moved up a point to 43.

Weather

The temperature is expected to dip into the 20s. No precipitation is expected.

Injury report

The Giants don't expect to have offensive tackle Kareem McKenzie (knee) and cornerback Corey Webster (knee) in the lineup this week. Cornerback Aaron Ross is questionable with a hamstring injury.

Washington has many players listed as questionable this week, most notably cornerback DeAngelo Hall (knee) and fullback Mike Sellers (thigh). Offensive tackle Stephon Heyer, safety Kareem Moore and defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin are also unlikely to play. Defensive tackle and run-stuffer Albert Haynesworth, who missed last week with an ankle injury, is listed as probable.

Playing spoiler

The Redskins are guaranteed a last-place finish in the NFC East, but they could still spoil playoff chances for their division rivals.

After this week's game with the Giants, Washington will be home to the Cowboys next Sunday.

"I'd love to be the Grinch on their Christmas," rookie linebacker Brian Orakpo said. "That's what we're aiming for. Obviously we're not going to make the playoffs, but we would ruin some other people's seasons."

Washington is one of only four teams in the NFL without a win in its division this season, going 0-4 against NFC East rivals so far.

The last time the Redskins went winless in division games was 1994, when they finished with a 3-13 record under Norv Turner.

Defensive doldrums

The Giants' defense ranks eighth in total yards and ninth against both the run and the pass, but the team is 28th in points allowed this year.

New York has surrendered 126 points in its last four games, and has given up 40-plus points three times this season.

Once known for their fearsome pass rush, the Giants are 26th in the NFL with only 26 sacks. Mathias Kiwanuka has replaced defensive end Osi Umenyiora in the starting lineup the past two games.

"It's evident that we haven't played our best," said defensive end Justin Tuck. "The fact is that somewhere or somehow we kind of got off pace as far as what we have been known for and what we normally do on defense."

Big plays have killed the Giants recently. Last week, they allowed touchdowns on a punt return and a fumble return against the Eagles.

Trends

New York has won six of its last seven games against Washington and is 5-1-1 against the spread during that span. The Giants are also 5-2 ATS in their last seven trips to FedEx Field. The favorite is 7-2-1 ATS in the last 10 games between these teams, and the road side is 4-1-1 ATS in the last six.

The under is 4-1 in the last five meetings, but the over has cashed in six of the last eight games in Washington. Six of the Redskins' past seven games have gone over the total.

N.Y. Giants (7-6, 5-8 ATS) at Washington (4-9, 7-6 ATS)

The Giants find themselves in a must-win situation when they visit FedEx Field in Washington, D.C., to take on the Redskins in an NFC East showdown.

New York is currently on the outside looking in with respect to the NFC playoffs, having dropped six of its last eight games (1-7 ATS) following a 5-0 start (3-1-1 ATS) to open the season. Last week, the Giants racked up more than 500 yards of offense against the Eagles but still fell 45-38 as a one-point home underdog. New York’s defense has collapsed after being the NFL’s best during the team’s 5-0 start, allowing 32.4 ppg during their 2-6 slump, including yielding 40 points or more three times.

Washington is just 2-3 in its last five games, but came close to pulling off upsets against the Cowboys, Eagles and Saints, losing the three games by a combined seven points. On the bright side, the Redskins cashed in all five games, including last week, when they went to Oakland and grabbed a 34-13 victory as one-point road favorites, getting 222 passing yards and two touchdowns from QB Jason Campbell.

These teams opened the season against each other in the Big Apple, with the Giants getting the 23-17 victory, but Washington got a late touchdown to cover as a 6½-point underdog. New York has won three straight (2-1 ATS) and six of the last seven (5-2 ATS) against the Redskins, including a 23-7 road win last season, cashing as a 3½-point favorite. The road team has cashed in five of the last six clashes between these rivals, and the favorite is 7-3 ATS in the last 10.

New York comes in on ATS slides of 1-7 overall, 0-5 as a favorite and 1-5-1 following a non-cover, but it is on positive ATS streaks of 22-7 on the road, 11-4 as a road chalk and 4-0 against teams with a losing record.

In addition to cashing in five straight games, Washington is on ATS runs of 4-0 as a ‘dog, 3-0-1 in December and 3-1-1 against NFC East foes, but it is on pointspread slides of 3-9 at home and 2-5 on Monday.

The Giants have stayed below the total in seven of 10 Monday games and three of five as a road favorite, but they are on “over” streaks of 5-0 against NFC East rivals and 5-2-1 against teams with a losing record. The Redskins have stayed below the total in 10 of 13 at home and seven of nine after a straight-up win, but they are on “over” runs of 6-1 overall, 4-1 as a ‘dogs, 5-1 against winning teams and 4-1 against NFC teams. In this rivalry, the “under” is 4-1 in the last five overall, but the “over” is 6-2 in the last eight clashes in the nation’s capital.

Finally, the last six Monday Night Football contests have stayed under the total, following a 19-5-1 “over” stretch on Mondays.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE

Giants need bailout in Washington
By Doug Upstone

With their season on the line, the New York Giants came up short at home again versus Philadelphia last week, losing a high scoring affair 45-38. Although not mathematically dead in the playoff race, their hopes are on life support, with two of their final three games on the road. This perilous position means the Giants have to sweep Washington for the third time in the last four years to keep dreams alive of a fifth straight postseason bid.

A week after beating the Cowboys, New York (6-7 ATS) lost a fourth straight game to the Eagles at the Meadowlands and fell to third place in the division with a record of 7-6. Philadelphia sits at 10-4 and Dallas is 9-5. Washington (6-7 ATS) brings up the rear in the NFC East at 4-9 and comes into this Monday night game off a victory at Oakland. The G-Men will come to Washington 17-5 ATS after a playing a game where 60 total points or more were scored.

Unlike recent seasons (18-6 SU & ATS the last three years as visitors including postseason), New York has floundered of late away from home, losing its last three games both SU and ATS, by at least 20 points each time. Theyll look to break that skid with a fourth straight win in Washington against a Redskins team set on spoiling any remaining hopes for its division rival. The Giants are 15-4 ATS in road games against NFC opposition.

Washington D.C. is known for stirring debates and rumors flying (among many other things) and the latest involves Mike Shanahan being the next coach of the Redskins. Present head coach Jim Zorn swallowed his pride earlier and gave up control of calling plays, yet apparently never lost his team despite all the distractions.

Washington has continued to play hard and only one of their nine losses has been by more than 10 points, proving their competitiveness. After losing three consecutive games by seven total points, they routed the Raiders 34-13 as 2.5-point road favorites and have covered the spread five straight times.

Among those that have shown improvement is quarterback Jason Campbell. The former Auburn signal caller has gone thru almost as many offensive coordinators as Tiger Woods indiscretions, but has been more consistent with 2,946 yards passing, 17 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He'll set career highs in all three categories, but its up for debate whether or not hes still the quarterback of the future, turning 28 years old on New Years Eve.

Run defense was Washingtons focus during the offseason it signed Pro Bowl tackle Albert Haynesworth to a $100 million contract yet still allows 117.5 yards per game. That is no fault of Haynesworth, who has battled nagging injuries the last two months and he and his teammates have given up only 122 yards on the ground the last two games. That isnt necessarily a good omen, as the Skins are 0-7 ATS after allowing 99 or less rushing yards in two straight games since 2007. For the Washington optimist, whose party controls the House or Senate, the Redskins are 9-1 ATS versus offensive teams like the Giants (382.4 YPG) averaging 375 or more yards per game in the second half of the season.

Sportbet.com has New York as three-point favorites with total of 43.5. These teams renewed their rivalry in Week 1 and the Giants held on for a 23-17 victory at home after building a 17-point lead late in the first half. Mario Manningham caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning, Osi Umenyiora returned a Jason Campbell fumble 37 yards for a touchdown and kicker Lawrence Tynes booted three field goals to account for New Yorks scoring. Mannings squad has won and covered three in a row at FedEx Field, however is 0-5 ATS in last five favorite roles and 4-10-1 ATS on Mondays.

Despite their spread streak, Washington is 3-9 ATS at home, nonetheless has covered last four times dressed up as hogs, whoops, underdogs. Six of the last eight games at Washington have gone OVER when these teams meet.

New York covers if the offensive line plays up to previous standards and controls the action. Like most quarterbacks, Manning is not nearly as effective when hes getting knocked around. The front five has to give him time and the Giants offensive coaches need to be more patient in the run game. They feeling from New York observers is if the offense doesnt pick up a couple of first downs running in a particular drive, Tom Coughlins staff is quick to pull the trigger and start passing almost exclusively. Given time, Manning should pick apart the Redskins middle defense since the safeties couldnt cover the Giants receivers with a bolt of Christmas wrapping paper.

Washington covers if the secondary can rough up the G-Mens youthful wide receivers. At times, alligator arms have been seen by various New York pass catchers over the middle, and Redskins safeties love to deliver big shots. Washingtons pass rush has hit another gear and with the Giants tackles faulty in pass protection and not picking up stunts properly, they could create chaos in the pocket. Tight end Fred Davis has become Campbells go-to-guy if Santana Moss is covered. Davis is big and can get down the field to cause Giant(s) headaches (thats terrible) for the team in blue.

Monday Night System - Play On home team whose opponent surrendered 35 or more points in previous game. (18-5 ATS, 78.2 percent)

Big Blue in the Hunt
By SportsPic

Despite a discouraging 2-6 run (1-5 ATS) the New York Giants can take a step toward a Wild Card spot with a victory over division rival Washington Redskins. Giants have struggled on the highway the past three losing by an average 21.3 PPG but they do have history on their side heading into Washington. Giants have won three straight in Washington (3-0 ATS) and five of seven (5-2 ATS) in Redskins back-yard. As for Redskins, they're playing better and have won two of their last five with an awesome 5-0 mark at the betting window. Tough spoiler spot for Washington, Redskins have lost four straight to NFC East foes (3-1 ATS) and 6-of-7 (4-3 ATS) encounters. It is well to note, Skins are not only 1-6-4 against-the-number as underdogs of 4 or less but also a deadly 0-8 ATS at home in Monday Night football. Total players should be aware Skins are 10-3 'Under' last thirteen at home and that Giants are 7-3 'Under' last ten in MNF.

Tips and Trends

New York Giants at Washington Redskins

Giants (-3, O/U 43.5): New York is 7-6 SU on the season, and are fighting to stay in the Wild Card hunt. The Giants have already beaten the Redskins once this year, 23-17 in Week 1. After winning their first 5 games of the season, the Giants are only 2-6 SU since. The Giants have also lost 7 of their past 8 games ATS. New York is 3-3 both SU and ATS this year away from home. Defensively, New York has allowed more than 30 PTS in 4 of their past 8 games. For the season, the Giants are the 5th worst defense in the NFL allowing 25.4 PPG. On offense, the Giants simply can't hold onto the football as they have 9 turnovers in their past 3 games. QB Eli Manning is battling injuries, but still has 3,300 passing YDS with 23 TDs against 11 INTs. WR Steve Smith is the main target in the passing game, as he has 85 receptions for over 1,000 YDS which ranks him in the top 3 in the NFC in both categories.

Giants are 11-4 ATS last 15 games as a road favorite.
Over is 6-0-1 last 7 games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game.

Key Injuries - CB Aaron Ross (hamstring) is questionable.
CB Corey Webster (knee) is doubtful.

PROJECTED SCORE: 27 (OVER - Total of the Day)

Redskins : Washington is ending their season the right way, playing hard as a team in every game. Their record might only be 4-9 SU, but this Redskins team has won 5 consecutive games ATS. Washington is 5-2-1 ATS as an underdog, including 2-1 ATS as a home underdog. The Redskins are also 3-3 SU at home this season. Washington is averaging nearly 30 PPG over the past 3 weeks, by far their best offensive stretch of the season. QB Jason Campbell has been pretty good over his past 7 games, as he has a QB rating of 92 during this stretch. WR Santana Moss is the only skill position player with more than 500 YDS either rushing or receiving. Defensively, the Redskins are 8th in the NFL in yards allowed at 305 YPG. They are also 4th in the NFL against the pass, allowing only 188 YPG through the air.

Redskins are 4-0 ATS last 4 games as an underdog.
Over is 5-1 last 6 games as an underdog.

Key Injuries - DT Albert Haynesworth (ankle) is probable.
DB DeAngelo Hall (knee) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 24