Seahawks (2-1) at Giants (1-2)
Monday, 8:15 p.m. EDT, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
TV: ESPN
Spread (BetMGM):
Giants by 1.5
keys to victory: The Giants are dealing with injury and inconsistency across their offensive line. Seattle defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt could take a page from the Giants themselves and send constant blitzes designed at collapsing the pocket and eliminating whatever comfort QB Daniel Jones has. On the other side of the ball, use the blueprint provided by the Cowboys and 49ers: control the clock with the ground game and use short passes to set up favorable down and distance scenarios.
Giants’ keys to victory: Wink Martindale’s unit must improve tackling or face another primetime embarrassment. Seattle RB Kenneth Walker and WR DK Metcalf are physical players who can’t simply be arm-tackled. Offensively, pass protection will be paramount. Jones has been sacked (12) and pressured (nearly 50% of all dropbacks) more than any other quarterback in the NFL.
Matchup to watch: Giants CB Deonte Banks vs. Seahawks WR DK Metcalf. This is a game that will be played in the trenches, but how well Banks, a rookie, handles Metcalf could ultimately be the deciding factor. Banks will have to take on the 6-foot-4, 236-pound receiver one-on-one and if he can win those battles, it will allow LB Kayvon Thibodeaux and the other edge rushers/blitzers to generate pressure on QB Geno Smith.
Who wins? If the Giants are able to get RB Saquon Barkley, LT Andrew Thomas and LG Ben Bredeson back for this game, it might tip the scales in their favor slightly.
Giants 27-24