NFL Football
2011-10-09 - Seattle Seahawks at New York Giants
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NFL Football Week 5
Sunday 9 October 2011 - Kick Off 1pm ET
6pm (British Standard Time)
Preview
The New York Giants (3-1) may feel they are the best team in the NFC East after the way they have played over the last 2.5 games and now they face the Seattle Seahawks (1-3) at home. Seattle came up a little short last week, but will still feel they are in touch with a weak NFC West.
The Giants looked like they were in for a tough season as the injuries had really run up during the preseason and then they were blown out by the Washington Redskins in Week 1, but something seems to have clicked of late, particularly for the Offense.
Victor Cruz has really been playing well, ignoring that obvious call he got in his favour last week in Arizona, and has provided Eli Manning with more options opposite Hakeem Nicks. With Mario Manningham back in the team too, the receiving corps looks good.
All 3 receivers should feel they have a chance for a big game this week against a Seattle Secondary that has given up 236 yards per game through the air, with that number being brought down by the performance of the San Francisco 49ers against them as the only team that has not passed for more than 250 yards against them.
The Secondary is struggling, but it is not being helped by a team that can get little to no pressure on the opposition QB, giving them time to pick apart the Defense that can only contain receivers for so long.
Seattle have played the run better and they are only giving up 3.2 yards per carry, so you have to think Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs will not have an easy day.
The Seahawks did well to fight back against Atlanta last week as they almost recovered a 20 point deficit thanks to some inspirational play from Tavaris Jackson. However, he has struggled in his road starts at San Francisco and Pittsburgh and faces a tough Defense in the Giants.
Jackson will have Sidney Rice as one of his receivers, but he may find it tough to connect with him as Mike Williams is out meaning the Giants can at least double team Rice. Another problem for Seattle will be whether they can keep Jackson upright as they have allowed 3.5 sacks per game and face a very strong pass rush from New York that could be further boosted by the appearance of Justin Tuck.
New York can be run upon, although it remains to be seen if Seattle can take advantage of that considering they are only gaining 67.5 yards per game on the ground. If the Seahawks get down early, they will also be forced away from the ground game and that could lead to plenty of turnovers.
Head to Head
The Giants have absolutely destroyed Seattle the last two times they have met one another, outscoring them 85-13 including a 41-7 win on the road last season.
New York are 3-1 against the spread in their last 4 games against Seattle.
The Giants are 3-1 against the spread this season, Seattle are 2-2.
Other Interesting Trends
New York are 26-12 against the spread in their last 38 games following a straight up win.
They are 4-9 against the spread in their last 13 games as the home favourite.
They are 17-23 against the spread in their last 40 games as the favourite of 6.5 points or more.
Seattle are 7-18-1 against the spread in their last 26 games as the road underdog of between 3.5 and 10 points.
They are 8-20 against the spread in their last 28 games against a team with a winning record at home.
Prediction
I really like the New York Giants to cover the points in this game for the following reasons:
First, Seattle have really struggled coming over to the East Coast and have lost their last 9 times they have done this.
Second, the Seahawks struggle on the road to keep themselves in games and will struggle to move the chains consistently against this New York Defense.
Third, the Giants look a little underrated especially that they are set as a point worse off than Atlanta last week.
Fourth, Eli Manning is playing as well as anybody in the NFL right now (except Aaron Rodgers) and he has plenty of weapons to expose this Seattle Secondary.
The Pick :
New York Giants 31-13 Seattle Seahawks
