New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers Preview

Where are both teams at?

The Packers are in a win now window. They have spent big on future hall of famer QB Aaron Rodgers and should be looking at winning the Lombardi. However, stud receiver Davante Adams left for the Las Vegas Raiders and the receiving core looks very light.

Despite that they still have high quality players on both sides of the ball. Along with Rodgers the offence has a great couple of running backs in Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Also, the defence looks very good this year with the likes of Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary and De’Vondre Campbell.

In New York expectations are a little lower than Green Bay. The Giants have struggled in recent years and the last time they made the playoffs was in 2016. However, there is cause for optimism in New York this year. Giants’ owner, John Mara, made a big move by bringing in Buffalo Bills OC Brian Daboll in the off season.

The playing roster might not have as many stars as the Packers, but the London fans still have players to look forward to. The main man for the Giants is stud running back Saquon Barkley. Daniel Jones is the Giants QB who has shown that he can get the job done but not on a consistent basis. Another to look out for is rookie line-backer Kayvon Thibodeaux on the defence.

The Packers so far

The Packers start to the season was a bit bumpy to say the least. Going away to division rivals the Vikings and getting a beating was not in the plans of head coach Matt LeFleur. However, despite the 23-7 loss the Packers have got their act together since then. They defeated the Bears with relevant ease putting together a decent 27-10 points win.

They then went on to put on an impressive defensive display away to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although it was only a 14-12 point win the Packers have had serious problems away to the Bucs over the years. Last week they scored a final second winning field goal in overtime against the New England Patriots to move to 3-1. The Packers might not be playing so stylishly as they did in previous years, but they are still winning.

The Giants so far

The Giants couldn’t have got off to a much better start this season as they also are sitting with a 3-1 record. They took on the Titans away on opening weekend and managed to win 21-20 in a cagey affair. After that they got themselves another win at home to the Carolina Panthers mainly thanks to the kicking of Graham Gano.

They did hit a bump in the road when they went up against the Cowboys losing 23-16 at home. However, they did get back to winning ways last weekend beating the Bears 20-12. The Giant’s defence has shown to be effective this year, but the offence is struggling to put up serious numbers.

Team News

The Packers are in a fairly good position when it comes to injuries going into week five. Safety, Adrian Amos, suffered a concussion on Sunday against the Patriots and will need to go through the protocol.

Jaire Alexander is still questionable with a groin injury after the Bucs game two weeks ago. The only other issues the Packers have is Sammy Watkins and Krys Barnes being out and on injured reserve.

The Giants have got a long list of injury concerns going into this game. Both QB’S, Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor are questionable although Jones should be good to play this weekend. Offensive tackle Evan Neal is questionable with a neck injury which would be a big loss.

The list of wide receiver injuries for the Giants is causing them massive problems. Sterling Shepard went on injured reserve at the end of September and won’t be back this season.  Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney and Wan’Dale Robinson are all questionable currently and it looks like Golladay will miss the trip. On top of that the Giants have three corner backs questionable to play this weekend.

Final Verdict

The Packers should be winning this game comfortably, but we all know that’s not how the NFL works. They have the better overall roster and don’t have the injury concerns that the Giants currently have. However, the price for a Packers win is very short and I wouldn’t advise you to bet it unless in an accumulator.

The first bet I would advise it to go for the under in the total points market. Currently sitting at 40.5 it does feel like a low total, but the previous four weeks games are on your side. The Giants have yet to be involved in a game this season that has had over 40 points. Also, the Packers have only played one of their four games to go over that total as well. With both teams’ defences strong against the pass and not as good against the run you should expect a quicker game.

Despite the likely game script being run heavy both teams are going to have to pass as well. If you’re looking for a touchdown scorer, then you’re better off with Aaron Rodgers throwing the ball than Daniel Jones. Although the Packers don’t have Davante Adams anymore, they still have guys to look out for. Both rookie receivers, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubbs got touchdowns last week along with tight end Robert Tonyan.

Doubbs is starting to get some chemistry with Aaron Rodgers having scored two touchdowns in two weeks. However, the market is reflecting that at 19/10. For a slightly bigger price Robert Tonyan looks to be the guy to go for. He missed most of last season through injury but is starting to show his old self again. He has played in the last three games and scored a touchdown last week.