The New York Giants travel to suburban Washington, D.C., opposing the Commanders Sunday night in a game that figures to bring some clarity to the NFC wild-card race. They ended in a tie two weeks ago at the Meadowlands. Both teams enter at 7-5-1, with the Commanders listed as 4½-point favorites (total at 40½), according to BetUS sportsbook NFL odds.
As per NFL playoff odds, Washington has more supporters when it comes to qualifying.
New York Giants vs. Washington Commanders Odds by BetUs
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giants | +4½ (-110) | 40½ (-110) | +180 |  |
| Commanders | -4½ (-110) | 40½ (-110) | -220 | |
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Giants Haven’t Won in Month
The New York Giants are struggling after one of the best (6-1) starts in the NFL. What was once a seemingly-secure playoff berth is now anything but. Big Blue is 0-3-1 in its last four games. What was a battle with the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys atop the NFC East is now a mission just to win a game. The low-water mark was getting blown out at home, 48-22, by the Eagles last Sunday
Despite the Giants and Commanders tied in last place in the division, both of the teams are currently set to make the playoffs, with the asterisk of “if the season ended today.” What that proves is the NFC East is the best division in football.
Many questions need to be asked of rookie coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, with a bogged-down offense that isn’t scoring. They haven’t had more than 22 points in any of their last four games. Saquon Barkley hasn’t resembled his early-season self, and quarterback Daniel Jones can’t be expected to win games by himself.
Commanders Back to Work
The Washington Commanders are coming off of their bye week, rested and ready to see the Giants once again. They had won three games in a row (handing the Eagles their lone loss of the season) before the aforementioned deadlock in Jersey.
Due to this quick in scheduling, it’s the first time in many decades that the Giants have been another team’s opponent in consecutive games, also a fair amount of time since the Washingtonites have seen the same team in back-to-back games.
The Commanders are on a roll, and will get quarterback Carson Wentz (broken finger) back on the roster. Wentz will be the understudy to quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who has played fairly well (1,444 yards, nine touchdowns, five interceptions in ‘22) during the team’s surge. Heinicke has proven more than serviceable, making few miscues since taking over as the starter.
Washington has relied on one of the best defenses in the league, having surrendered 19.7 points per game (10th in NFL). However, the Commanders could be a far better defense if they’re able to get back their two best pass-rushers in Chase Young (ACL) and Montez Sweat (protocol). Either Young (out since last November) and/or Sweat (concussed in the previous tie game) could add more grief to New York’s struggling offense.
Giants End Slide
Washington is hotter, and with more rest. However, after the embarrassing home loss New York suffered to Philadelphia last week, it will come into this game with a vengeance. Take the Giants +4½ as they leave the capital (or close to it) with a win.
The Giants and Commanders are both run-heavy offenses, trying to limit the number of mistakes in the passing game. However, with the total at just 40½ points, it’s a good bet to go over. A final total of about 50 points is not unrealistic.
