NFL FOOTBALL BETTING PREDICTION - NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS @ NEW YORK GIANTS

NFL Football

2007-12-29 - New England Patriots at New York Giants

A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown

New England Patriots @ New York Giants
Saturday, December 29, 8:15 p.m. ET
Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

The Giants and the Patriots have both made the playoffs and this really is a meaningless game for both teams in normal circumstances.

However this year the Pats have an opportunity to go for a perfect regualar season with one more win. The game is so high profile that the NFL managed to make a deal with the NFL Network and allow CBS and NBC to broadcast the game as well meaning anyone who wants to see the game can.

New York Giants

The Giants beat the Bills in Buffalo last week to secure the number 5 seed in the NFC regardless of the result this week. They know they have to go to Tampa Bay next weekend for their wild card game and so many people might have expected them to rest their starters but there has been no indication they will.

New York have not played that well at home this season and they are only 3-4 there compared to 7-1 on the road. They have lost 3 straight at home, losing by 11 + points in each of those defeats. They have played the best the NFC has to offer this season, but have lost twice to Dallas and once at home to Green Bay.

With New England potentially in a league above those 2 teams, I would say this is going to be tough for New York but could give them a confidence boost in time for the playoffs.

Many people may expect Plaxico Burress and Brandon Jacobs to be rested by the Giants but both are listed as 'probable' for this match. Kevin Dockery and Sinorice Moss will most likely miss out.

New England Patriots

New England have wrapped up home field advantage and been truly inspirational this season. They have beaten the cream of the AFC (except the Jaguars) and the number 1 seed of the NFC (Dallas) already this season and are looking to create history by going unbeaten. The Pats also have 2 weeks off after Saturday before their divisional championship game.

The Patriots have already won in Indianapolis and Dallas this season, but they struggled badly against the Ravens on their last road trip, winning by 3 points with a late touchdown from Jabbar Gaffney. Tom Brady needs to 2 passing touchdowns to beat Peyton Manning's TD record and Randy Moss needs 1 to tie Jerry Rice's TD reception record.

Bill Belichick is not one to rest starters in the closing stages of the season - well at least not for all 4 quarters. I will be expecting the players to stay in for the majority of the match, perhaps being taken out late in the game if it is already won or lost. Benjamin Watson and Kyle Brady are unlikely to be risked for any snaps.

Statistics

The Giants have only met the Patriots once in the last 6 seasons, and that was a Pats win in New England.

New York are 9-6 ATS this season, while the Patriots are 10-5. New York are 3-4 ATS at home and the Patriots are 5-2 on the road.

New York have improved recently against the spread, winning 3 of their last 4, but they have lost 3 in a row at home.

The Patriots have been giving up big totals against the spread in recent weeks and have lost 4 of their last 5 as the weather takes a downturn on the East Coast. They have also lost 2 of their last 3 against the spread on the road.

The Verdict

Its been raining today in East Rutherford, but tomorrows forecast seems better for the passing game. There will be a chance of rain but it is unlikely.

It will be cold which does have an effect, but the wind is not going to be as strong as it was when Washington visited town. It will be strong enough to prevent deep balls being thrown on a regular basis.

I think New England can win this game but I also believe the Giants defence is a proud unit and will help keep this game close. The fact that the game is on national television means both sides will play hard.

I will be surprised if Brady does not break Manning's record in this game but the younger Manning will hopefully have enough tips from his bigger brother so as to not throw silly interceptions.

The Pick :