Sunday, October 18, 2020, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, 1 p.m. ET
Washington at Giants Betting Preview: Washington (+2.5/+100), Giants (-2.5/-120)
Washington Football Team
After a Week 1 upset of Philadelphia indicated it might be able to surprise the experts, Washington has spent the last four weeks showing why they were right. It has lost four in a row, allowing at least 30 points in every game and losing by at least 14 points in each contest.
Much of the problem falls at the offense’s feet. Washington ranks 30th in scoring (17.8 points per game), 31st in rushing (81.4 yards per game) and last in total offense (263.0). That’s particularly odious since there are only 32 teams.
Benching Dwayne Haskins for Kyle Allen isn’t the solution, as the offensive line displayed last week. No quarterback could thrive behind these guys.
The defense isn’t that bad, actually, ranking sixth in the league in sacks with 15, although eight occurred against the Eagles. Perhaps if Washington could play with a lead again at some point, its fearsome pass rush could become a factor.
New York Giants
One knew that Joe Judge would have a rough rookie year as the Giants’ coach, but 0-5 is a worst-case scenario. It’s not totally surprising, given that the early schedule has been rough, with the opponents’ record a gaudy 16-8.
But there are several causes for concern, beginning with second-year quarterback Daniel Jones. His highest QB rating in a game this year was last week’s 80.6 at Dallas. He hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass since Week 1, and all his passing numbers are trending down from his rookie year.
As a result, New York is 31st in scoring offense (16.2), 30th in total offense (282.4) and last in rushing (79.0). Losing star running back Saquon Barkley in Week 2 didn’t help, but they might still be 0-5 with him healthy. The talent level just isn’t there for this team.
Washington Football Team at Giants Betting Pick for Week 6
In almost any other year, an 0-5 team hosting a 1-4 team would be seen for the pillow fight that it is. But because the NFC East is so awful so far, both teams are still in contention. A Washington win and Dallas loss on Monday night means that 2-4 is good for a first-place tie.
The Giants have given themselves chances to realistically win three games, but haven’t been able to make the required plays. This week, with a weak enough opponent in town, New York’s defense comes up big to give Judge his first win.
Washington at Giants Betting Pick:
Giants 20, Washington 17
Washington Football Team at Giants Best Bet for Week 6
Neither team has stamped itself as a fast starter in 2020. Washington has been outscored 37-14 in first quarters and the Giants have been beaten 29-17 in the first quarter, which includes a 14-3 lead after a quarter last week in Dallas.
So the smart money here calls for one to bet on an opening 15 minutes without many fireworks from two of the league’s potent attacks.
Washington Football Team at Giants Best Bet: UNDER 7.5 total points in the first quarter (-121)
