These past three weeks of Giants football have had a “Final Destination” feel to them. The difference is, they don’t die.
● Week 3: Titans trail 12-7 with 24 seconds to go. From the 7-yard line, Cam Ward throws into the end zone in the direction of Elic Ayomanor, but the ball goes directly to Jevón Holland for the interception. Giants win.
● Week 4: Cardinals trail 30-24 but have fourth-and-goal from the Giants’ 4 with 11 seconds to go. Jacoby Brissett fires for Michael Wilson at the left pylon, but Deonte Banks steps in front, picks it off, and returns it 98 yards. Giants win.
● Week 5: Giants come back from 14 points down to force overtime at 27-27. They miss a field goal, force a punt, then Cam Skattebo fumbles at the Washington 24. The Commanders get to the Giants 26 with 55 seconds to go, but run only one more play and fail to attempt a field goal in one of the most stunningly inept sequences in NFL history. Giants tie.
These results leave the Giants at 3-1-1 and in first place in the NFC East in a season when the Eagles and Cowboys are both having huge problems. Normally, they’d have a bettor suspicious that the Giants are living in a charmed bubble that’s about to burst.
But I’m not certain that’s the case here. In the Titans and Cardinals games, you could argue the Giants made plays, and that’s a reflection of better coaching by John Harbaugh and his staff. In Washington, the Giants were out-inepted in overtime, but credit is due for the late comeback.
And maybe their luck isn’t quite running out because the 1-4 Saints are next on the docket Sunday at MetLife Stadium. New Orleans had an interesting start, losing by one point in overtime in Detroit and beating the Ravens in Baltimore. But the past three weeks they’ve lost by eight, 21, and 10 points at home. Last week, Tyler Shough managed all of 96 yards against the Vikings. Also, he’s not a threat to run, which was the Giants’ big problem against Jayden Daniels.
Jameis Winston was a Saints backup for four seasons, and the sight of the fleur-de-lis on the Saints’ helmets should drive him to produce the better part of the Jameis Winston Experience this week.
The pick: Giants +1.5.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (-7.5) over New York Jets
The Jets’ victory over Cleveland last week had some of the same elements as the Giants’ successes. The Browns missed an extra point, launched a punt snap, and dropped a bunch of wide-open passes in the fourth quarter. Credit to the Jets for winning, but I’m not sure eight sacks is a repeatable act, particularly in Foxborough, Mass., where they are 1-14 in their past 15 visits.
The touchdown spread certainly makes this a challenging pick, and this is a chance for Aaron Glenn to completely change the narrative about this season and his tenure.
There’s even some hope from the injury report as Omar Cooper Jr. should be playing for the first time since Week 1, and the Patriots may be missing RB TreVeyon Henderson and possibly OT Will Campbell. Still, this is a Patriots team that was in the Super Bowl last season and is on a bit of a heater now after beating the Bills and crushing the Raiders.
Maybe Glenn will prove me wrong, but I can’t take this leap of faith with a 5-17 head coach against Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels.
Houston Texans (+2.5) over Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have a bit of an advantage playing a second game in a row in London after a field goal miracle win over the Eagles, while the Texans had to make the trip this week. There’s not quite the usual difference here that you see between 1-4 and 4-1 teams, and I’m leaning into Will Anderson Jr. against a troubled Jacksonville offensive line. Maybe Marvin Harrison Jr. can give C.J. Stroud another receiving option beyond the excellent Nico Collins.
Carolina Panthers (-3.5) over PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
This is a nice scheduling spot for the Panthers, coming off a bye against an Eagles team that played last week in London. News came out Thursday that Jalen Hurts is out, piling on to a bunch of injuries to top offensive players. The only hesitancy is the Eagles really need this game.
Baltimore Ravens (-4) over CLEVELAND BROWNS
Tyler Huntley led the Ravens to a road victory at Atlanta, and I’m comfortable backing him again in Cleveland if Lamar Jackson isn’t able to make it back. The Browns defense gave up 116 yards to Jets bull-like RB Braelon Allen, and Derrick Henry figures to do the same or more. The Browns needed to do a walk-through instead of practice Wednesday because they’re banged up everywhere.
Tennessee Titans (+6.5) over INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Despite a popgun offense that’s averaging 11.6 ppg, the Titans have covered two spreads this season. Brian Daboll should get more from Cam Ward and Carnell Tate against a Colts defense that has terrible DVOAs against both the run and pass.
ATLANTA FALCONS (+1.5) over Chicago Bears
This handicap changes based on whether one, both or neither of Caleb Williams and Michael Penix Jr. returns to action. As of Thursday morning, it was looking as if both will play. As much as I love to back Ben Johnson, the Falcons have a clear edge on defense, particularly factoring in the suspension of Chicago’s Montez Sweat.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5) over TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Todd Bowles had an excellent game plan last Thursday at Dallas, both in incorporating Jalon Daniels at quarterback, and on defense against CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Of course, he almost blew a sure win with his decision to eschew a field goal that would have put him up three scores. The Steelers defense will throw more at Daniels than the Cowboys did.
LOS ANGELES RAMS (-12.5) over Arizona Cardinals
Sitting at 2-3 but largely healthy, Matthew Stafford and the Rams need a get-right game, and this could be a great spot for one. Arizona has given up 31, 36, 36, and 45 points in its past four games, respectively.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (-8.5) over Los Angeles Chargers
While the Chiefs are coming off a bye, the Chargers are 0-5 and list 11 of their 22 starters as questionable or worse. It’s never fun laying big points with K.C., but that seems like the safer option here at Arrowhead against the Jim Harbaugh-Justin Herbert disaster.
Buffalo Bills (-4.5) over LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
This spread has dipped a bit from six points earlier in the week. It’s hard to figure how a Raiders defense that’s given up more points in each succeeding week (13, 14, 27, 30, 45) is going to stop Josh Allen, particularly when he runs. The higher the score climbs, the less valuable the spread becomes.
Dallas Cowboys (+1.5) over GREEN BAY PACKERS
The Packers have won two in a row and the Cowboys are coming in off a loss, but these feel like dead-even teams that will have ups and downs throughout the season. Green Bay beat backup QBs Jalon Daniels and Tyson Bagent, but Dak Prescott will offer more of a test.
MONDAY
Washington Commanders (+7.5) over SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Dan Quinn is great at blowing sure wins (Super Bowl LI, last week vs. Giants), but his team is live here at more than a touchdown underdog thanks largely to Jayden Daniels’ running ability. The Niners could be a bit fat and happy at 5-0 and are hurting at wide receiver.
Best bets: Giants, Ravens, Rams.
Lock of the week: Giants (Locks 3-2 in 2026).
Last week: 7-8 overall, 1-2 Best Bets.
Thursday: Seahawks (L).
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Dave Blezow’s one of the longest tenured NFL handicappers at the Post with picks dating back to 1994. He won the Post’s NFL betting standings in 2021 and the Playoffs most recently in 2023.
