NFL Picks: Preseason Week 2: Panthers vs Giants
As football fans eagerly await the face-off between the Carolina Panthers and the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium this Friday at 7:00 p.m. ET, there’s much to unpack about the teams’ recent performances and what we can expect from NFL Lines this showdown.
BUSR NFL Lines
Spread: Panthers +3 (-110), Giants -3 (-110)
Moneyline: Panthers +131, Giants -161
Total: Panthers O 38 (-110), Giants U 38 (-110)
Carolina’s Rocky Start
The Panthers commenced their preseason with a disheartening 27-0 defeat against the New York Jets. It was especially a tough game for rookie quarterback Bryce Young, who struggled with only 21 yards from 4 of 6 passes in his initial three series. The dominating Jets overshadowed the Panthers with a staggering 189-32 in terms of yards in the first half, ending with a 14-point boost in the last quarter.
This lackluster offensive execution by Carolina in their preseason opener is bound to be a key focal point when they encounter the Giants. With limited time to adjust to the Giants’ game strategy, Young, along with the Panthers’ fledgling offensive line, may find the challenge insurmountable. Making matters even more daunting, Carolina will be missing key players such as running back Miles Sanders and wide receiver Terrace Marshall, both sidelined due to injuries. Furthermore, backup quarterback Andy Dalton’s recent back injury in a Monday practice makes his participation uncertain.
However, every cloud has a silver lining. The Panthers’ defense will likely find some relief as the Giants might sideline some of their prime players, including QB Daniel Jones and RB Saquon Barkley, which improves Carolina’s NFL Odds.
Giants’ Push for Redemption
On the other side, the New York Giants, despite a more robust performance, yielded to Detroit with a scoreline of 21-16 in their inaugural game. While they managed a 10-point lead at halftime, an unforeseen 95-yard touchdown during a third-quarter punt swung the momentum, with the Giants conceding 18 points in the latter half.
New York’s current health status offers a slight advantage over Carolina. However, there are concerns surrounding WR Cole Beasley and CB Cor’Dale Flott, both of whom are under the scanner for potential injuries.
The spotlight might occasionally turn to Daniel Jones, who could make a brief appearance. Considering the proximal nature of the final preseason game to the commencement of the regular season, it’s more viable for key players to fine-tune their performance in this week’s game.
Expert Prediction
Given the Giants’ previous game performance, they’re anticipated to bolster their strategies, especially after squandering an early lead. After securing a temporary lead with a field goal from Graham Gano, their defense faltered, allowing Adrian Martinez to clinch the game for Detroit.
Drawing a comparison, the Giants seem to be a more formidable team, even in the absence of their core players. Factoring in the likelihood of Jones and other primary team members making an appearance for final adjustments, it presents a strong case to place bets on New York covering the three-point spread.
Carolina, unfortunately, seems beleaguered with problems. Their offensive failures against the Jets, coupled with the underwhelming performances from Young and backup QB Matt Corral, don’t instill confidence. With integral playmakers like Sanders and Marshall benched due to injuries, the Giants defense will be eyeing ample opportunities to dominate on the field this Friday.
In sum, while the game promises intense football action, it may very well tilt in favor of the New York Giants and their seemingly stacked team, bolstered by their preparation and the potential presence of key players that will showcase their form for all the fans to see.