Washington and New York played to a 27–27 tie in October. On Sunday, each offense scored just one touchdown. That makes the most interesting part of Thursday’s rematch what happens once a drive gets close enough for points. A short completion can keep it alive, a sack can send the kicker out, and one trip to the end zone can swing a game priced this close.
Can Washington stay ahead of the chains?
The Giants were favored by 2.5 on the DraftKings spread. They’ve covered six of eight this season at the lines for those games, including the October tie as an underdog. This time they’re laying points, and Washington can put pressure on that number if it gives Jayden Daniels manageable third downs.
Daniels went 21 of 28 for 204 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s 20–13 loss to the Rams. Washington still went five straight drives without scoring. Myles Garrett had three sacks, and one forced a fumble that set up a field goal. Watch whether Daniels’ early completions leave Washington with short third downs. That’s where an efficient passing line can turn into another set of downs and give the Giants fewer chances to build a lead.
New York has its own question on a short week. J.J. McCarthy briefly left Sunday’s 19–11 win at Philadelphia with a hip injury. Jameis Winston threw the go-ahead touchdown to Isaiah Likely before McCarthy returned. The Giants listed McCarthy as limited on Monday’s estimated practice report. Sunday also showed how much New York needed from Dominic Zvada. He kicked four field goals, including two from at least 49 yards in the first quarter.
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Field goals leave less room at 42.5
Five of eight games apiece this season finished above Thursday’s DraftKings total of 42.5, including that 54-point tie in October. Sunday offered a different picture. Washington’s game finished at 33 points and New York’s at 30. Even after Washington picked off Matthew Stafford and had a chance to tie the game, the offense gained just nine yards before settling for a field goal.
Watch what both teams do with the first short field they get. A turnover or a good return can put either offense in field-goal range right away. If those chances end in kicks again, the score can stay below the October pace even with plenty of drives across midfield. Turn a couple of those kicks into touchdowns and 42.5 comes into reach much faster.
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