Giants plus 4 1/2 hosting Broncos
Peyton Manning and the Broncos got a measure of revenge in high style last Thursday burying Baltimore. The Giants meanwhile committed six turnovers in losing on the road to Dallas.Does that make the Broncos so superior to the Giants that they should be more than a field goal favorite on the road? Not in my mind.The Giants lost to Dallas, 36-31, despite a minus 5 turnover ratio. It’s absolutely amazing that New York came that close to pulling off the upset considering the takeaway/giveway disparity.
While the Broncos are living high right now, the Giants already find themselves in an important matchup. As following this matchup, the Giants play three of their next four games on the road. Those away matchups aren’t easy since they are against the Panthers, Chiefs and Bears.
So this becomes a crucial home game for the Giants. New York usually is at its best when in a tough bind. The Giants are 8-2-1 ATS the past 11 times as an underdog and 10-4-1 ATS against foes with a winning record.
The Broncos’ defense is down from last year. It’s bad enough that Von Miller is suspended, but he got in more trouble with the law this week. Miller is proving to be a distraction and a pain in the butt.
The Broncos’ secondary is vulnerable. Cornerback Champ Bailey and middle linebacker Wesley Woodyard are questionable.
Eli Manning certainly won’t lack for motivation being 0-2 against brother Peyton. Eli’s three wideouts – Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and Rueben Randle – are as good as any trio in the NFL. Talented running back David Wilson could be playing for his starting job. He’ll be sky high for this game, too.
Denver had its big game last week. The Broncos host long-time division rival Oakland on Monday night next week. This game is much bigger for the Giants.
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