Redskins vs Giants Odds - Redskins defense will upend scattered Giants

The Redskins vs Giants odds matchup will be a tightly contested NFC East matchup, but given the way the Giants have looked in the preseason, there is no reason to lay a touchdown with them. Online betting handicappers should look for the Redskins’ new and improved defense to shutdown the Giants’ ground game and force Eli Manning into some mistakes.

Redskins vs Giants odds: Giants -6.5

• WHAT: NFL betting
• WHEN: Sunday, September 13th – 4:15 PM ET
  
• WHERE: Giants Stadium – East Rutherford, NJ
  
• PICK: Redskins +6.5

Redskins vs Giants odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
The Redskins spent a lot of money in the offseason to shore up their lines of scrimmage, signing veterans such as Albert Haynesworth and Derrick Dockery. On Sunday, we’ll get to see if those moves paid off. The Redskins are supposed to be in the cellar of the NFC East, but they surprised us last September. Can they do it two years in a row?

Meanwhile, for the Giants, a tumultuous offseason is finally over. Not only did the Giants lose more parts off of their offense - such as Derrick Ward - their additions on defense haven’t exactly panned out (Michael Boley suspended, Chris Canty injured). We’ll see if the Giants’ late-season struggles from 2008 carry over into 2009.

Redskins vs Giants odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Redskins offense struggled early in the preseason but turned around in the third week. The Redskins competition at wide receiver between youngsters Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly - and incumbent Antwan Randle El - has seemingly paid off. Quarterback Jason Campbell should have ample targets to work with, even though consistency has always been an issue.

Speaking of consistency, the only thing consistent about Giants quarterback Eli Manning is that he has been inconsistent since Plaxico Burress has been off the team. Manning had just two touchdowns and two interceptions last December, while completing just under 70% of his passes and averaging just 153.3 yards per game. Through the first three weeks of the preseason, Manning was just 18-of-34 for 184 yards, one touchdown and one interception. This offense is out of sync.

Betting Edge: Even

Redskins vs Giants odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Redskins defense has been so-so this preseason. Although it’s not always the best gauge, the fact that they allowed the New England Patriots to walk up and down the field didn’t exactly inspire sportsbook odds makers.

Some people have to wonder how effective the Giants defense is right now. Defensive end Osi Umenyiora is bumping heads with the new defensive coordinator, which gives the impression that the team will sorely miss Steve Spagnuolo, who is now head-coaching the St. Louis Rams. So far through the preseason, the Giants first string defense has not looked nearly as dominant as it was last year.

Betting Edge: Even

Redskins vs Giants odds maker breakdown: Special Teams
The Giants do have better special teams all the way around, and given that their kicker, Lawrence Tynes, is used to the windy Meadowlands, it should give his team an edge.

Betting Edge: Giants

Redskins vs Giants odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
The Giants have a number of lingering injuries, although none are serious. Starting cornerback Aaron Ross has a hamstring issue, linebacker Antonio Pierce has missed some time with a foot injury, Chris Canty has a hamstring tear and defensive tackle Jay Alford is out for the season with a knee injury. Also, don’t forget about linebacker Michael Boley, who is suspended for Week 1. Most of the above players should play but they will be short of 100%.

Betting Edge: Redskins

Redskins vs Giants betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
NFL betting fans can’t be encouraged by some of the signs out of the Giants camp. Manning hasn’t been particularly sharp, some injuries are piling up and there is some dissention in the locker room. That’s not a team you want to lay seven points with, especially in a rivalry game.

STAN’S PICK: Redskins +6.5

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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.