NFL WEEK 13 BEST BETS: MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Summary
The New York Giants (2-10) and New England Patriots (10-2) share a rich history, including two memorable Super Bowl meetings. Their current seasons, however, are opposites. The Giants have lost six straight despite a recent high-scoring effort from Jameis Winston, while the Patriots have won nine consecutive games behind rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
The prediction for their upcoming match is a decisive Patriots victory, 31-13. This forecast suggests New England will cover the 7-point spread and the total score will stay under 46.5 points. Several player prop parlays are also recommended, focusing on the passing yards for both quarterbacks and key receivers.
NEW YORK GIANTS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (-7, O/U: 46.5)
THE HISTORY
It would not be easy to be more intertwined in NFL history than the New York Giants and New England Patriots. Bill Belichick, now a professional cheerleading competition viewer and sometimes college football coach, was the defensive coordinator for the Giants in two of their Super Bowl victories in the 1980s and was the coach of the Patriots when they lost to the Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning Giants in the 2000s. One of those was the only defeat suffered by an 18-0 Pats squad led by Tom Brady. It’s one of the favorite memories of my life.
They are currently tied, 7-7, in the all-time series with New York taking their last match-up, 10-7, on Nov. 26, 2023. Tommy DeVito, now with the Patriots, was 17 of 25 for 191 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions in the win. Saquon Barkley, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, rushed 12 times for 46 yards. Jalin Hyatt caught five passes for 109 yards. Mac Jones, now with the San Francisco 49ers, was 12 of 21 passing for 89 yards, no TDs, and two picks before he was benched for Bailey Zappe, now with the Cleveland Browns, who went 9 for 14 for 54 yards and an interception. Rhamondre Stevenson had 21 carries for 98 yards and a score. DeMario Douglas caught six balls for 49 yards.
NEW YORK GIANTS (2-10)
The Giants dropped their sixth game in a row, falling 34-27 to the Detroit Lions, in what was at least a fun game to watch. Jameis Winston was 18 of 36 passing for 366 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick. He also caught a 33-yard touchdown pass from Gunner Olszewski. Winston was sacked once. Tyron Tracey, Jr. rushed 20 times for 62 yards. Wan’Dale Robinson had his best game as a pro, catching nine passes for 156 yards and a score. The defense sacked Jared Goff three times and picked him off once.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (10-2)
New England has been on a starkly different trajectory. After opening the year 1-2, the Pats have reeled off nine consecutive victories. Last week, they knocked off the Cincinnati Bengals, 26-20. Drake Maye was 22 of 35 for 294 yards, one touchdown, and a pick in the win. He was sacked once and scrambled for 22 yards. TreVeyonn Henderson had 18 carries for 66 yards. Hunter Henry caught seven balls for 115 yards and a TD. The defense sacked Joe Flacco once and picked him off once.Â
BEST BETS
Well, I have bad news. Yes, it’s good for the long run that Jaxson Dart has cleared concussion protocol and will start this game, but we all know that Jameis Winston would probably be a lot more fun to watch. What we want, now that Dart has the keys, is for him to prove us thoroughly wrong. As it is, back in the Friday Afternoon Quarterback, I predicted Patriots 31, Giants 13 with Dart at the helm, and I’m sticking with it. That means that the Pats will cover, and we will hit the Under.Â
As for the parlays, I like Dart to pass for over 230.5 yards and Maye to surpass 241.5 yards. That pays at +300.
Hunter Henry receiving more than 41.5 yards and Wan’Dale Robinson picking up more than 65.5 yards pays at +310.
And if you want to put those all together, and you should, that pays at +700.
Follow Adam Greene on Blue Sky @AdamGreene13, threads @adam.greene and Twitter @TheFirstMan
