New York Giants Odds - G-Men favored to take the NFC
Sports betting lines are backing the New York Giants to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl this season, but first they’ll have to make it out of the competitive NFC East. Sportsbook players will also get to see the player drafted to replace Plaxico Burress, the ultra-talented but highly troubled wideout. Will this make a difference in the Giants odds to win this year's Super Bowl?
New York Giants odds: +1000 to win Super Bowl XLIV
- Manning gets new weapon in rookie Nicks
- Defense could be even better with healthy Umenyiora back
- Sportsbook players will expected another balanced season for G-Men
Eli Manning made the Pro Bowl for the first time last year, as he became much more consistent and threw a career-low 10 interceptions. He was aided immensely by the NFL’s best rushing attack, powered by Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. They may need similar efforts from the backfield, as the Giants released veteran Amani Toomer, while Burress was shown the door after his publicized incident from last year in which he shot himself in the leg at a nightclub. The Giants may have gotten a steal in receiver in Hakeem Nicks with the 29th pick in the draft, and the wideout from North Carolina runs a 4.43 40, along with some of the best hands in the draft. The offensive line is also intact, and they were among the NFL’s best in 2008.
Their defense is very deep, led by linebacker Antonio Pierce, and up front, Justin Tuck was the force for a line that was thought to be in trouble due to the injury to Osi Umenyiora and Michael Strahan’s retirement. Tuck had 12 sacks, and he could have more with Umenyiora recovered from a knee injury that caused him to miss all of last season. Sportsbook players shouldn’t forget that Umenyiora racked up 33.5 sacks in the three years prior to 2008. In the secondary, the Giants have so much depth that they could afford to let safety James Butler go to St. Louis, as Michael Johnson and Kenny Phillips stepped up their game.
NFL betting lines have the Giants as a +400 favorite to win the NFC, along with Super Bowl odds of +1000. While Burress was wildly talented, he was causing a distraction in the locker room, and those looking at Cowboys odds can tell you all about locker-room distractions. Nicks tore up the ACC, and he appears ready to step in to start, and could be Manning’s top target by the end of the year. Meanwhile, Jacobs and Bradshaw will keep the ball in the Giants’ hands by grinding out yards and wearing down the opposing defense. The New York defense is solid enough to keep their team in the game while the passing attack gets situated, with Tuck and Umenyiora forming one of the best pass-rushing duos in the game. Another trip to the playoffs should be in order for the G-Men, and if Nicks proves to be a top wideout, their odds will rise dramatically.
For more NFL lines and futures, visit the sportsbook at BetOnline.com.
Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
