A Giant Leap of Faith
Despite their propensity for self-inflicted foibles -- think Jerry Jones in general and benching Eli Manning in particular -- two of the most popular teams in the world are going head-to-head in Week 2 in hopes of winning their first game.
The New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys both lost lackluster debuts by a single score.
Which team will bounce back in Week 2?
Given the Cleveland Browns' reminder that it's possible neither will, that may yet be a rhetorical question.
Now's as good a time as any to start.
Bovada has this one at Dallas -3. Their moneyline is set at Giants +133 and Cowboys -153.
Why bet on the Giants ...
Dudes stumbled outta the gate, but no one was expecting a blowout against the Jags' swarming defense.
The excellent news is both Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham Jr still managed 100yds-plus in a five-point loss.
The play that sealed the game. Muffed punt by the Giants and the Jaguars win 20-15 pic.twitter.com/zSnODCfceF
— Laurie Fitzpatrick (@LaurieFitzptrck) September 9, 2018
As usual, Manning's the key.
Dude’s won big games and Super Bowls, but he's never been the factor to win game-in and game-out. If he continues to spread the ball, the Giants can only be stopped by one or two teams in the league.
The Cowboys are not one of them.
Why bet on the Cowboys ...
Dallas is destined to be a one-hit wonder this season unless a playmaker not named Ezekiel Elliot steps up.
If Jason Garrett can’t get the team up to snuff fast, this is going to be a long season.
Keep in mind, though, the Giants failed to win or cover in both games against the Cowboys last season, ending a Giants 5-0 ATS run in the series.
Instant analysis ...
The spread favoring the Cowboys covers the home-field advantage. I'm surprised they are getting that much.
Bet the Giants straight up.
ATS Pick: New York Giants +3
Moneyline Pick: New York Giants +133
Results: Dallas 20 New York Giants 13 ... Cowboys cover both positons
***
Sportbet Columnist: Noah Williams
Noah lives and works with a simple philosophy of “Eat, Drink, Football.” This is embodied through a dedication to satellite TV, Indian delivery, Folgers in his cup, and Budweiser. He lives in a secret lair with his beautiful concubine.