The NFL is back! After a wild 2020 season that was impacted significantly by COVID-19, a closer-to-normal offseason has created plenty of excitement leading into the 2021 campaign. We also have a longer schedule with the league adding a 17th game for all teams.
Let’s start off the season by highlighting a matchup between the Denver Broncos and the New York Giants and discuss some wagers to consider placing for the NFL Week 1 matchup.
Broncos vs Giants Best Bet: Under 42 Points (-110) at DraftKings
For in-depth analysis on this pick and others, continue reading. Please note that all odds are current as of Friday, September 10.
Broncos vs Giants Prediction
Both of these teams have question marks at the quarterback spot. The Giants know that Daniel Jones will be their starter at the position, but after disappointing last season, can he live up to the lofty expectations that came with him being selected sixth overall in the 2019 Draft? He’s not the only question for their offense, though. Saquon Barkley is coming back from a torn ACL, Kenny Golladay battled a hamstring injury in training camp and their offensive line is suspect, at best.
The Broncos have their own issues at quarterback, although they attempted to strengthen the position by bringing in Teddy Bridgewater. He beat out Drew Lock during camp for the starting job, so at least he provides a veteran presence to the position.
The key for this game could be the Giants’ defense, which includes a loaded secondary that was bolstered by the addition of cornerback Adoree’ Jackson. If Jones can at least somewhat limit his turnovers, they could win a low-scoring affair at home.
Betting Pick: Giants 20, Broncos 17
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Saquon Barkley looks to have a bounce back year coming off an ACL tear from last season. (Image: USA Today)
Broncos vs Giants Best Bets
Best Bet: Under 42 Points (-110) at DraftKings
Both of these teams had major issues scoring points last season. The Giants only averaged 17.5 points per game and the Broncos weren’t much better with an average of 20.2 points per game. As discussed previously, don’t be surprised to see the Giants start off slowly offensively as Barkley and Golladay overcome health issues. Even with Bridgewater starting for the Broncos, scoring points might not be easy.
The Giants only allowed 22.3 points per game last season with basically no depth at cornerback behind James Bradberry. They addressed that need with Jackson and they are deep at safety now that Xavier McKinney is healthy. Points should be at a premium in this matchup.
Blake Martinez: Over 7.5 Tackles + Assists (-150) at DraftKings
It’s rare that I like to roll with a prop for a defensive player. However, this one is just too appealing to pass up. Martinez was a tackling machine for the Giants last year, racking up at least eight combined tackles and assists in 12 of their 16 games. In two of the four games that he failed to reach that threshold, he barely missed with seven combined.
Sterling Shepard: Over 3.5 Receptions (-170) at BetMGM
The common theme among the Giants’ skill players is injuries. Barkley and Golladay could both be limited while Evan Engram (calf) might not play at all. Even his fellow tight end Kyle Rudolph is still recovering from a foot injury. That means that Shepard and Darius Slayton could be busy in this game, with Shepard having a good opportunity to lead the team in receptions. In the 12 games that he played last season, he caught at least four passes nine times. In fact, he had at least six receptions in a game eight times. His role could dimmish when the rest of the offense gets healthy, but we’re not worried about that for Week 1.
