NFL Preseason Week 3 kicks off on Thursday with a battle between the Patriots and Giants at MetLife Stadium. The Giants are -298 home favorites and are favored by 6.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at over/under 37.5 points. Both New York and New England have won their last two games. Which side will come out on top tonight?
See below for my pick and prediction for tonight’s preseason matchup between the Patriots and the Giants.
Patriots vs. Giants prediction
As is always the case, it remains to be seen who exactly will start in this preseason finale. If anyone is a safe bet to make an appearance, its Jaxson Dart. The rookie has been one of this summer’s breakout stars, looking poised and confident all summer. Over two preseason games, the Ole Miss alum has thrown for 291 yards and two touchdowns on 74.3% passing. Veteran Russell Wilson is still expected to start at quarterback for the Giants. Still, New York will be watching Dart closely on Thursday.
On a short week, it’s difficult to envision many first-team starters taking the field at MetLife. That’s especially true for the Patriots, a squad with postseason aspirations under new head coach Mike Vrabel. Expect to see plenty of backup QBs Joshua Dobbs and Ben Woolridge. The former of the two is an experienced passer, having spent five seasons in the NFL. The latter is a rookie that may or may not make New England’s 53-man roster. Neither gunsliger has been good, nor bad, over the first two preseason games. We’ll see if either makes a big impact on Thursday.
Patriots vs. Giants pick, best bet
Without the services of starting QB Drake Maye, New England’s offense looks incredibly thin. Impact players such as Stefon Diggs (ACL), Rhamondre Stevenson (undisclosed) and a slew of receivers are all threats to sit tonight On the other side of the ball, standout corner Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) has already been ruled out.
In comparison, the Giants have more players with something to prove. Dart aside, there are several training camp battles worth mentioning for Big Blue. Cornerback is a particularly contentious one, with former first rounder Deonte Banks attempting to fend off fourth-year pro Cor’Dale Flott. On the other side of the ball, Evan Neal is attempting to salvage his NFL career with a shift to guard. He looked comfortable in that spot last week vs. the Jets; will that continue tonight?
It might sound boring, but the biggest difference in this contest comes down to the quarterback position. Dart is more talented than the veteran Dobbs, and Giants backup Jameis Winston is an overqualified QB3. Without several other key contributors, it’s difficult to pick the Patriots against New York
