The New York Giants' offense hummed in its opener and will look to prove it isn't a pretender as the team travels to Los Angeles for another primetime affair.
The revamped Giants regime put together a triumphant debut, besting the division rival Dallas Cowboys by a score of 28-20 in Week 1. Big Blue controlled much of the contest, despite the single-digit differential. Jaxson Dart picked apart Dallas' secondary, managing a career-best completion percentage of 70.3% while throwing for 230 yards and three scores. In addition to his arm, Dart successfully flustered the Cowboys' defensive front with his legs, closing out the contest with 54 rushing yards on 11 attempts (4.9 yards per carry). In classic John Harbaugh-ian fashion, the ground attack remained physical and efficient, with Cam Skattebo leading the charge with 81 rushing yards, a score and an accompanying end zone backflip.
In stark contrast, the Los Angeles Rams repeatedly tripped up, eventually stalling out against a resurgent San Francisco 49ers squad. Snapping a 17-game TD streak, Matthew Stafford appeared particularly disjointed, finishing with a meager 155 passing yards and a dismal 61.2 quarterback rating. The ground game proved more effective, as the tandem of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum combined for 95 rushing yards and the team's lone score before being scripted out of the contest. The duo will look to establish pace against Giants DC Dennard Wilson's rejuvenated unit.
Back on home soil and with 10 days to prepare, the Rams have a distinct advantage over the traveling G-Men. Still, with Myles Garrett on IR (knee) and questions swirling around Aaron Donald's return to action and Puka Nacua's health (questionable, groin), the Giants shouldn't be overlooked. Expect Harbaugh to build on the suffocating approach he took in Week 1, focusing on winning the time-of-possession battle via long drives and efficient passing. Meanwhile, Sean McVay should counter by establishing an up-tempo rhythm early, aggressively dispatching Davante Adams and his other available pass catchers downfield.
Betting outlook
Even with Nacua potentialy sitting, both teams have the adequate firepower to put up points. That's why I'm eyeing the total in this clash. Despite a lackluster Week 1, the Rams' dynamic aerial attack should improve, particularly given key injuries to the Giants' secondary. If Los Angeles gets up early, Dart won't hesitate to push the offense while leaning on a healthy-enough Malik Nabers. With Garrett sidelined and Donald likely on a snap count, the sophomore signal-caller figures to be gifted sufficient time to convert, ultimately boosting the combined score toward 50 points.
The market is anticipating a bounce-back effort from the Super Bowl favorites in their first home game of the season. I liked the Giants' potential to cover when the spread opened at the beginning of the week, featuring the Rams as 8.5-point favorites. However, that number has since shrunk. With so many variables still in question and so little data yet at our avail, a wager on the spread seems like a dicey endeavor.
Notable player props, bets
Note: Odds by DraftKings
and subject to change.
Matthew Stafford passing yards OVER 238.5 (-113)
Eric Moody: Stafford was unusually inaccurate and out of sync with his receivers in Week 1 against the 49ers in Australia. With Nacua, if he can play, and Davante Adams forming one of the league's top wide receiver duos, I expect Stafford to bounce back and remind everyone he's an MVP-caliber quarterback. He cleared this line in 15 of 20 games last season, including the postseason.
Jaxson Dart rushing attempts OVER 6.5 (+102)
Loza: Dart managed seven or more carries in six of 12 starts last season. He took off 11 times in Week 1. Notably, five of those attempts were designed runs, indicating OC Matt Nagy's intention to lean on Dart's mobility. With the Rams sending regular pressure, it also makes sense that a dual-threat talent like Dart might attempt to utilize his legs. To what success remains to be seen. Still, with the Giants likely to employ a heavy ground approach, expect Dart to tally seven or more totes on Monday night.
Dart rushing yards OVER 33.5 (-108)
Pamela Maldonado: Dart's legs are part of what makes him difficult to defend. He showed that right away in Week 1. And his involvement in the run game goes back to his rookie season. Donald's return makes attacking the Rams straight up the middle more difficult, but the Giants' offense can create opportunities for Dart when the pocket collapses or the play calls for moving him outside. With Garrett out, the Rams also lose their best edge presence. Whether through designed runs or scrambles, Dart should have enough chances to threaten this total without needing another huge rushing performance.
