New York Giants vs. New York Jets: Prediction, preview, keys to game
The New York Giants and New York Jets battle for the Big Apple — or East Rutherford — on Sunday in Week 11. Preview and predictions for the showdown.
Call it the Slumber Bowl; the New York Giants and New York Jets meet at MetLife Stadium Sunday afternoon in a game that features a combined 3-14 record from these two hapless squads.
Big Blue is a slight 2.5-point favorite over Gang Green, courtesy of The Action Network. This game can cure anyone of insomnia. The G-Men lead the all-time series, 8-5, although the Jets captured their last tussle in overtime back in 2015 by a score of 23-20.
Let’s take a look at the preview for this Week 11 showdown in East Rutherford
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When the Giants (2-7) have the ball
Big Blue will be without tight end Evan Engram (foot sprain) for this game but the G-Men should have no trouble moving the ball against a team that is allowing 26.4 points per game (eighth-worst in the NFL). Rookie quarterback Daniel Jones (11 touchdowns, eight interceptions) has to improve his ball security. He currently leads the league in total turnovers (16) and the Jets defensive line will try to strip him of the ball whenever possible.
Saquon Barkley (629 yards from scrimmage, three touchdowns in six games) should have a stellar performance in this battle while Golden Tate (29-322-1) must step up from the slot to help make up for the loss of Sterling Shepard, who will miss this contest with a concussion.
The key though will be Jones. If he can avoid the turnover bug (easier said than done), the Giants should be able to move the ball efficiently against a Jets defense that ranks 29th in the NFL in sacks (13) and is just 17th overall in total defense (352.2 yards per game).
When the Jets (1-7) have the ball
Le’Veon Bell (knee) may be a game-time decision so, if he can’t suit up, it certainly won’t help an offense that ranks last in the NFL in points scored (96). On the other hand, Big Blue has given up the second-most points in the league (255), so something has to give.
Gang Green has to protect Sam Darnold (six touchdowns, nine interceptions, 63.2 completion percentage) or it’s going to be another long afternoon for the USC product. The Jets have the worst offensive line in the league but if Darnold gets time to throw he can exploit one of the worst defensive secondaries in the NFL.
The G-Men allow 263.6 yards per game through the air (eighth-worst). If Darnold gets time, he can connect with Jamison Crowder (43-405-1) from the slot and speedster Robby Anderson (23-342-1) on fly patterns and post routes. The Giants have been burned time and time again (hello Deandre Baker) and Darnold has the arm strength to exploit that weakness.
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Prediction
This is a tough one to call. Both squads have a myriad of weaknesses. When I am debating on which team to pick, I always go with the contingent that has the best player. That player is Barkley, hands down. That’s why I like Big Blue in a close one. Giants 27, Jets 24.