THURSDAY’S NFLX SELECTION
New York Giants +6 over NEW ENGLAND
The Super Bowl Champion Patriots will suit up for their final game of the 2005 preseason on Thursday night, as we are one week from the regular season opener featuring New England hosting Oakland. In this contest, they will welcome the Giants, who have won their last 2 exhibition games. The Pats come off an impressive, 27-3 triumph in Green Bay last Friday, a win that helped ease the concern of a 37-27 loss to the Saints one week prior. The Giants slugged out a 15-14 win over the rival Jets last week after beating Carolina, 27-20.
With the regular season opener just 1 week away, we don’t expect to see New England starters in this game. Look for Doug Flutie and rookie Matt Cassel to take all the snaps in this game, with Tom Brady looking on. Giants starting QB, Eli Manning, was held out last week due to a sprained right elbow, and will not play against the Patriots here, either. The backups did well enough to squeak out the win last week, and we look for a stronger performance here. Even the Giants reserves will be excited to prove themselves here against the champs.
Last year, the Pats were in an identical situation, hosting their final preseason game 7 days before their home opener. They rested all starters and got beat 31-0 by the 4½-point underdog Jaguars. Just as Jacksonville showed up to compete with the Super Bowl winners, so should the G-men. These New Yorkers have done well as sizeable preseason underdog of more than 4 points, going 6-1 ATS. We also note that defending NFL champs are just 12-24-1 ATS as a home favorite in this price range.
Finally, we have some preseason systems active here, all indicating a play ON the visitors. Week 4 road dogs off 2 SU wins are a strong 26-6 ATS, while Thursday home teams are 0-7 ATS vs. opponents off 2 SU wins. Off 2 dog SU wins, the Giants will bring confidence along with motivation to New England as they play well enough to at least get the ATS win, if not the SU victory.