[Editor's Note: Stampede Blue welcomes new writer Christopher Price into the fold. Christopher knows a thing or three about sports betting... ask Vegas. You should listen to him if, you know, it's your thing to hang with degenerate gamblers, and stuff. -Brad]
Giants (2-1) @ Eagles (2-1)
Pick – Giants (+2.5)
Good Call: Three Stars (Out of Five)
Plain and simple, if you’re telling me that I must take the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants (2-1), who have NFL passing leader Eli Manning (97.1 QB Rating - 1,011 Yards, 5 TD’s, 3 INT’s) at the helm, all with a solid defensive unit behind them AND a few points to go along with it, I’ll take the combo platter!
I understand that playing in the confines of Philadelphia is a tough environment for anyone, no matter the last name of the gunslinger. I must also give the Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) defensive squad the respect they’ve rightfully earned, ranking 3rd in passing yards allowed. But, they’ve also haven’t faced the Giants… and more importantly, they’ve yet to hold onto the ball! The Eagles have turned the pigskin over 12 times in the past 3 games, and after the absolute drumming they took when out West against the Arizona Cardinals (3-0), a team who I still believe is all smoke and mirrors, I personally think that neither Michael Vick (66.3 QB Rating - 905 Yards, 3 TD’s, 6 INT’s) or the shotty offensive line they’ve got "protecting" him will be able to maneuver around the fast-paced, Pierre-Paul/Tuck/Umenyiora-filled pass-rushers. For the love of God, did you watch how the Eagles handled the ball anytime they were even in the vicinity of the red zone?! Pathetic.
Oh yeah, and who could forget about the ongoing feud between DE Osi Umenyiora and Philadelphia’s RB LeSean McCoy (261 Yards, 1 TD) that’s ready to explode? That’s a disastrous fight of beastly men that I see blowing up in this one… grab the popcorn!
This should be a great game to watch, being a fan of crushing blows. That being said, I don’t see Michael Vick making it out alive. He’s already, like always, not at full-capacity and this isn’t the ‘01-’02 NFL you’re playing in anymore, Vick… people are onto your little shenanigans (yes, I just said shenanigans), especially teams like the reigning champions who’ve had an extended week to prepare. Besides, the last time I was confused as hell to why the Giants were underdogs was about a week ago when they were in Carolina - where they beat the total hell out of the Kitty-Cam’s (I’m patenting that, back off), 36-7. These games are always far too close - take the points, fellas!
Just So Ya’ Know:
- Eagles are 0-3 ATS this season
- Underdog is 13-3 in last 16 meetings
- Road team is 8-2 in last 10 meetings
- Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (237 yards, 1 TD) and RB Ahmad Bradshaw (94 yards, 1 TD) practiced Thursday