Posted on
1/4/2008 4:15:08 PM
NFL Postseason Wagering – Giants at Home On The Road Against Bucs
By Eric Williams
After winning seven of their eight road contests this season, the New York Giants, (10-6 SU, 10-6 ATS, 8-8 O/U) will enter Sunday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a new slogan.
‘There’s No Place Like, Away From Home.’
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, (9-7 SU, 9-7 ATS, 9-7 O/U) however, won’t be rolling out the red carpet for Eli Manning and company.
After the Philadelphia Eagles foolishly parted ways with quarterback Jeff Garcia following a successful, one-season run in the City of Brotherly Love, Garcia has landed in Tampa Bay, thanks to head coach Jon Gruden, and worked his special brand of overachieving magic to help lift the Bucs back into the playoffs.
The New York Giants haven't won a playoff game since 2001 and were knocked out of last year’s playoffs by … you guessed it - Garcia.
Replacing an injured Donovan McNabb, Garcia completed 17 of 31 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown to help Philadelphia defeat New York 23-20 in a wild-card game last Jan. 7.
Garcia has helped smooth the Buccaneers previously troubled quarterbacking woes, throwing for 2,440 yards, 13 touchdowns and just four interceptions to help Tampa Bay win the NFC South for the first time since 2002 – the season the team won its only Super Bowl title. Garcia posted a 94.6 quarterback rating this season, good for seventh in the league.
Garcia will be facing a tall task in the New York Giants defensive line, the best in football these days. The Giants racked up a league-high 53 sacks this season with defensive end Osi Umenyiora wreaking havoc all season long.
Giants quarterbcack Eli Manning went 22-for-32 for 251 yards, four touchdowns and one interception against the New England Patriots in New York’s regular season finale but was far too inconsistent, throwing a career-high 20 INTs this season compared to 23 TDs.
New York also has a very solid rushing attack with Brandon Jacobs (1,009 yards) and emerging rookie Ahmad Bradshaw (8.3 yards per carry).
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my NFL Betting Free Picks.
Key Giants Trends
The Giants are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following a S.U. loss.
The Giants are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
The Giants are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games.
Key Buccaneers Trends
The Buccaneers are 5-1 ATS in their last six games as a home favorite.
The Buccaneers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games following a S.U. loss.
The Buccaneers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight home games.
Key Totals Trends
The Under is 6-1 in Giants last seven games after allowing more than 30 points in their previous game.
The Under is 6-1 in Giants last seven road games.
The Over is 4-0 in Buccaneers last four games on grass.
The Under is 5-0 in Buccaneers last five playoff games as a favorite.
Key Head-to-Head Trends
The Under is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
Analysis: This game may be the best matchup of the entire weekend. While the Buccaneers had a fine season and will be playing at home, I really like the Giants and Manning to win this contest, particularly after playing so well against the Patriots last weekend. Even if they don’t win outright, I still like the Giants to cover the spread.
NFL Free Pick: Giants 27 Buccaneers 24
01:00 PM EST NFL betting odds
New York Giants +3 -125
Tampa Bay Buccaneers -3 +105
Over 39½ -110
Under 39½ -110
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