'Skins Underdogs Against Giants

NFL News - September 10h, 2009 - Written by John

Washington Redskins vs New York Giants - The Redskins take a quick trip to New York to face the Giants in week one for a routine match-up between NFC East rivals, and inter-division games are always interesting to wager on. It's the second year in a row the 'Skins open the season against the Giants, losing the previous season 16-7.

The Redskins improved on defense last year, finishing top ten in almost every defensive category. The Redskins added a key figure, Albert Haynesworth, who they hope will stop the run up the middle, and force ball carriers towards the sidelines.

It was the Redskins offense however that failed to get better in 2008. Quarterback Jason Campbell and head coach Jim Zorn had play calling issues in the past and Clinton Portis was great four the first half of the season, only to tail off with an average of 64 yards in the final four games.

The Giants will put Haynesworth to the test in his first game as a Redskin. The Giants finished first in the league last year in rushing yards per game. Big bruising running back Brandon Jacobs led the attack for the Giants, and it seemed as if no noone could stop him in the first half of the 2008 season.

When it comes to late game heroics the Giants recently come through with Eli Manning, the youngest of the Manning brothers. Although there are still some questions about his accuracy and consistency, Manning finished tied for 10th with 21 passing TDs. However, he is still in desperate need of filling the void left by Plaxico Burress. The Giants took a near body double in the first round of April's draft, pegging Hakeem Nicks to become their newest play maker. So far, so good. Nicks has hauled in an NFL-leading 272 yards on nine receptions in his first preseason. He's also hit the money ball with four catches of over 20 yards and three touchdowns

The Giants ranked in the top-ten in all major defensive categories, including total yards and scoring defense. The Giants will need a strong season from defensive captain Osi Umenyiora, who will return after missing all of last season as well.

The Giants are favored to win by six points against the Redskins, according to BetUS. The Giants and the Redskins played each other twice last year, the Giants winning by 11 points in the first game, and then by 16 in the second match up. In both games the teams combined for 30 total points or less, and it will be hard to imagine any fireworks this season.

All Betting Lines Above Can Be Found At BetUS Sportsbook

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