NFL Preseason: Patriots at Giants Preview and Pick

New England Patriots at New York Giants

Location: New Meadowlands Stadium

7:00 on NFL Network

On Thursday night, the New England Patriots will play their first game in the New Meadowlands stadium and their last preseason game when they battle the New York Giants.

It may be the fourth game of the preseason, but BroBury Sports has still posted sports betting odds for the game. The latest line has the Giants as three point favorites with the total set at 37.5.

The Giants and the Patriots have made a habit out of playing each other on the last game of the preseason, which does not come as a surprise since many of the coaches and players have ties. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was on the same coaching staff as Giants head coach Tom Coughlin when they were both members of the Giants’ staff.

The background that these two teams share should make for a “friendly” game between the franchises. In fact, the biggest story of this game is not on the field at all.

Verizon’s local FiOS TV customers will be able to watch the game between the Patriots and Giants in 3D, providing that they have a 3D TV. It will be the first NFL game broadcasted in 3D.

Not many fans will see the game in 3D, because the equipment is still very expensive, but it is a major move for sports technology. This game could be remembered as a pioneer in the 3D industry pushing sales of 3D equipment through the roof and changing the way we watch football.

But let’s get back to the game.

Last year, both defenses took the game off, as the Patriots won 38-27 over the Giants at Gillette Stadium. This year that might be different as starters will barely see any playing time as coaches have already announced they will sit in this game.

Tom Brady did not play in last season final game and will not see any action in this game. Eli manning has already been hurt once in the preseason so his playing status will be limited to nonexistent for this game.

Injuries become another factor in who will play in this game and the Patriots are currently hit hard.

Wide receiver Julian Edelman, cornerbacks Terrence Wheatley, Kyle Arrington, and Leigh Bodden, defensive back Bret Lockett, safety Brandon McGowan, rookie defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick, offensive lineman Nick Kaczur, rookie tight end Aaron Hernandez, defensive linemen Ron Brace and Darryl Richard, and rookie linebacker Jermaine Cunningham did not practice.

That is a pretty big list and exposes one of the big weaknesses for the Pats right now, the secondary.

The Giants have their share of injuries as well. They placed wide receiver Sinorice Moss, along with backup quarterback Jim Sorgi, and rookie linebacker Adrian Tracy on the season-ending injured reserve.

The quarterback depth has become such an issue that the Giants are rumored as suitors for the services of current Arizona quarterback Matt Leinart.

Starting Giants cornerback and expected punt returner Aaron Ross likely will miss the rest of the preseason, and possibly the regular-season opener as well.

Game Time Prediction

This game will only be interesting to watch for the new 3D technology or if you are a diehard fan of either team. Both teams will play a friendly but competitive game, with a common goal of staying healthy. Several players are still battling to avoid being cut, and a few position battles remain open, but nothing that will stir up excitement.

There is not a reason to think that either team has a vested interested in winning. Well, maybe in New England.

The Patriots looked horrible against the Rams and that instigated a locker room tirade by Belichick.  “We didn’t do well on anything," said Belichick, when asked about his team’s performance after the Rams game.

The Giants struggle with short week preparation as they are just 1-5 against the spread (ATS) in the last six games with less than six days to prepare. They have been beat up by teams in the AFC East as they are 7-18 ATS in the last 25 games.  The Patriots are 8-3 against the spread after a home loss and get turned off by losing any game, even in the preseason.

Play: Patriots +3

The Patriots win this game as both teams wrap up the preseason.

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