New York Giants vs. Washington Redskins is the game that opens the 2008 NFL season and it starts at 7 pm EST.
First, we look at the numbers from online gambling sites and see that approximately 85 percent of reporting sports books had the number at Giants -4 ½. BetED.com was one of the lone exceptions, still featuring a line of -3 ½ on New York.
Well over 75 percent of the gambling public has been on the Giants and there is little doubt that the bookies will be hurt if New York manages to cover in this one. Based on odds makers response to the action, they seem to feel Washington can win or at least cover the 3 ½ to 4 ½ spread (New York would win by 3 points or less). This looks like the most probable situation.
Let's take a look at who has the edge. Eli Manning should have the edge when it comes to the quarterback situation.
But then we have to review the running backs situation. Clinton Portis vs the three headed monster, according to Yardbarker.com.
This is where things get interesting. The Giants have decided to go with a running back committee with Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw. Jacobs is the clear starter but who gets the bulk of the carries is up in the air. It will most likely come down to match-ups as well as whose got the hot legs at the time. The Redskins on the other hand have the sure handed Portis whose been nothing but steady through his career and even becomes more valuable this year with the Skins going with more of a West Coast offense. This is a close call here but I have to say. To win I believe the Giants are going to have to establish the running game. If they can get the ball rolling on the ground it should open up Eli's bread and butter the play-action pass. Once the Giants do enter the passing game they are going to need to spread the ball around and keep the secondary guessing. If they do a Plaxico lean as they have at times before, the Skins defense will lock up the passing game.
The Redskins have an edge in probably more areas than the Giants though with the exception of the wide receiver and quarterback position. As a result we here at Gambling911.com are forecasting a close game or a Washington win.
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Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
