Free Pick: New York Giants at Washington 9/16/21

After a fantastic opening weekend game between Dallas and Tampa Bay, we have this dog of a matchup between NFC Least teams. Both are coming off disappointing losses in Week 1. At least, Washington has an excuse as starting quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick was injured and had to leave the game. On the other hand, Denver completely shut down the New York running game limiting them to 60 yards and quarterback Daniel Jones was the leading rusher with 27 yards. Let’s break this down.

OFFENSE: The Giants were inept running the football in Week 1 against Denver. They were held to 60 yards and quarterback, Daniel Jones was the leading rusher with 27. Saquon Barkley made his return from an injury suffered last year and could only manage 26 yards on 10 carries. The inability to run the ball causes too much pressure on Jones to make plays and he wasn’t bad completing 22-37 for 267 yards and a touchdown. But, he needs some help from the ground game. Sterling Shepard led the way at receiver with 7 catches for 113 yards and a touchdown. Washington lost Fitzpatrick to a hip injury and will rely on back-up Taylor Heinicke for the future. He was 11-15 for 122 yards and a score and the jury is out on whether he can make enough plays to be a serviceable NFL quarterback. The ground game was average as they gained 126 yards and Antonio Gibson led the way with 90. Receiver Terry McLaurin had 4 receptions for 62 yards. Advantage: Giants

DEFENSE: Washington shut down the Chargers running game but Justin Herbert was able to throw for 337 yards against the Washington secondary. Their defensive line is one of the best in the league and they will need to get more pressure on Jones and help the secondary out. Cole Holcomb and Bobby McCain led the team in tackles. The Giants gave up 165 yards rushing against Denver and they will have to play better as Washington will try to run the ball to take pressure off of Heinicke. While the offensive output wasn’t good, there is plenty of blame to go around on the defensive line of the ball. Advantage: Washington

This is a must-win game for Washington because if they lose, they will start the season off with 2 losses at home against teams that they were counting on beating. So, they have added pressure on them, and a short week to prepare a back-up quarterback for this game. The Giants have a golden opportunity to get this one on the road and atone for a disappointing loss in Week 1. The line is Washington -3.5.

DUDES WHO BET SPORTS PICK: Washington -3.5 (But this one has red flag written all over it)