Posted on
1/3/2008 8:02:48 PM
NFL Playoff Betting – Giants Visit Buccaneers
By Russell Edward
The New York Giants made the playoffs again, even as fans in the Big Apple continued to question this team at every sign of perceived weakness or problem. Things are such that even a Week 17 loss to the Patriots is looked at as a good sign for the G-men, as they played a hard-fought game even when there were no chips on the table. Going south to visit the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay, the football betting spread says the Giants are three-point road dogs. In order for them to win this game, they will have to have great pass protection for their up-and-down quarterback, Eli Manning.
New York Giants +3 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers –3
The Giants running game lost very little, if anything, with the departure of smug now-commentator Tiki Barber, much, it seems, to his chagrin. Led by Brandon Jacobs, the Giants attack the interior behind a very good offensive line anchored by guards Seubert and Snee. One thing that could hurt the rushing game, at least Jacobs’ interior running game, is the injury to center Shaun O’Hara. O’Hara was hurt in the game against the Pats and will be a game time decision. As of late Thursday, he was still sitting out of practice, just doing some light jogging.
Spelling Jacobs will be Ahmad Bradshaw. Bradshaw runs more against the grain and has excellent speed and cutting skills and he will provide a very good change of pace that will keep the Bucs defense on their toes. Both backs will have to play very good for the Giants to have an honest chance in this game, as the Bucs run defenders are very disciplined. They rarely are out of position and don’t overpursue.
NFL Wild Card Playoff: Sunday, January 6, 2008 at 1 p.m. EST
The Bucs will likely only rush four defenders at Manning for most of the game. That likely means Eli will have time to find his receivers and time to throw, but it also means he will be throwing down a field littered with seven defenders, all of whom are excellent route jumpers just waiting for Manning to miscue a throw. Eli will have to be mentally tough in this game and not make hasty decisions. If you bet on the NFL and take the Giants in this game, your money rests on whether or not you trust Eli to play a better game that Tiki’s brother Ronde and the rest of this tough Buccaneers defense.
> > Check Wild Card Odds Here
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