Giants (1-1) at 49ers (2-0)
Thursday, 8:15 p.m. EDT, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
TV: Prime Video
Spread (BetMGM):
49ers by 10.5
Giants’ keys to victory: The offensive keys start with QB Daniel Jones being efficient passing in the short and intermediate areas. TE Darren Waller is a matchup nightmare and using him to clear out space in the middle of the field for RB Saquon Barkley (if cleared to play) would make things difficult for the 49ers, but Waller and rookie WR Jalin Hyatt can also win deep. DLs Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux can make their mark by gumming up the 49ers’ run game. Second- or third-and-long is when the 49ers offense becomes most vulnerable.
49ers’ keys to victory: San Francisco should take advantage of an inexperienced Giants secondary. QB Brock Purdy needs to be accurate in the short and intermediate areas and on some deep throws when they’re available. TE George Kittle should also get plenty of work against a Giants linebacker group that doesn’t thrive in coverage. On defense, the 49ers must not let Jones get too comfortable. If DLs Nick Bosa and Javon Hargrave can take over, they will allow the 49ers linebackers and defensive backs to play in coverage instead of needing to blitz.
Matchup to watch: Giants LT Andrew Thomas vs. 49ers’ Bosa. If Bosa wins this matchup, it may be impossible for the Giants to move the ball. A Thomas win means there will be easy throws available.
Who wins? The 49ers are at home, and if their offense gets rolling, the Giants don’t have the firepower to keep up.
49ers 27-16