The New York Football Giants have begun to show a lot of similarities the past couple of weeks of their historic 2007 Super Bowl run when they came out of nowhere to upset a previously undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. Fast forward to 2012. Eli Manning is playing the best football of his career, the imposing Giants pass rush is harassing opposing qbs once again, and the Giants are playing as one cohesive unit. The running game may not be as potent this year, but the one-two punch of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs can still wear down opposing defenses. Will we see a 2007 remix?
(Getty Images) Are we witnessing this same kind of magic we saw in 2007 with this year's Giants?
The Atlanta Falcons are no longer strangers to the postseason. After years of futility, head coach Mike Smith has led the Falcons to the playoffs in 3 of his first 4 years. They tasted it last year as the number 1 seed with home field advantage after finishing 13-3 in 2010 and were disappointed by the eventual champion Green Bay Packers when they lost to them at home. They regressed 3 games this year and finished 10-6 but still firmly believe they have what it takes to make a deep run. The team is virtually the same as last years, but with the explosive addition of Julio Jones and the blossoming of Sean Witherspoon on defense. Matt Ryan has continued to develop nicely in his 3rd year, but he still has not been able to win a playoff game and if Matty Ice wants to join the next level of elite qbs, he will need to get that first win. Playing on the road will be difficult, but can Ryan finally get the playoff monkey off his back?
(Getty Images) Julio Jones has had a solid rookie season thus far.
So what do expect from tomorrow’s matchup in New York from a betting standpoint? Wagering on a side seems like a complete coin flip as I feel both teams have arguments for why they will win so I’m staying away on that end. These are teams that have explosive vertical passing attacks and very dangerous offenses overall, and because of those reasons, I expect a lot of ground and pound to keep both offenses off the field. You will see a heavy dose of Michael Turner for the Falcons and the combo package of Bradshaw and Jacobs for New York. There will be some big plays here and there, but I really see a balanced attack as somebody will look to win the time possession game.
I think an additional underlying point that people don’t see is that both teams actually have fairly solid defenses. The Giants have only given up an average of 17 points in their last 3 while the Falcons have not given up more than 24 points in 6 of their last 7 games. The Giants pass rush is scary to say the least. JPP (Jason Pierre-Paul) leads the pack with 16.5 sacks and you can bet his friends Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora will not be far behind. The Falcons defense is led by tackling machine, Sean Witherspoon and ageless wonder John Abraham. The defensive corners on either side isn’t bad either as Corey Webster and free agent prize, Dunta Robinson lead their respective groups.
(Getty Images) #90, Jason Pierre-Paul will be heading to his first Pro-Bowl this year after a 16.5 sack season.
Add in the fact that this game will be played in frigid December New York weather where wind may also play a factor and I see a lower scoring game than most foresee. Tomorrow’s game will go under. Look for a 23-17 type of game tomorrow morning.
The Line: Atlanta Falcons @ New York Giants (Giants -3, 47.5)
The Play: Under 47.5
2011-2012 NFL ATS Record: 14-15-3
2011-2012 NCAA Football Record: 0-1
2011-2012 NBA Record: 2-2
Overall 2011-2012 record: 16-18-3
