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Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants: Preview, Predictions, and More

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants

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The New York Giants will be hosting the Washington Redskins at MetLife Stadium in an important early season game. The Giants come into the contest 2-0, defeating the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints to begin the season. The Redskins, on the other hand, come into the game with a 0-2 record, losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cowboys to start their season.

This is an important game for both teams as each has something to prove. The Giants, despite being 2-0, are not yet respected around the league. People want to see more from their revamped defense before believing they are legit. The Redskins are already experiencing infighting, as players are already turning on quarterback Kirk Cousins. Falling into a 0-3 hole would almost guarantee them not defending their NFC East division title as well.

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The Redskins are already experiencing infighting, as players are already turning on quarterback Kirk Cousins. Falling into a 0-3 hole would almost guarantee them not defending their NFC East division title as well.

While it may only be the third game of the season for both teams, it is an important one that could define their respective 2016 seasons. Will the Giants prove to be legitimate contenders for the NFC East title? Will the Redskins get back on track behind Cousins after being crushed the first two weeks of the season?

We will have to wait and see tomorrow afternoon, but the winner of the key matchup of the game could help decide the outcome of the game.

Key To The Game

There is an obvious answer to this question; Odell Beckham Jr. vs Josh Norman. All eyes will be on the two of them after the altercation they had last season when Norman played with the Carolina Panthers. Last season the two combined for five accepted penalties against them, with Beckham Jr. being suspended for a game.

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Norman has received a lot of criticism throughout the season thus far because he has now shadowed the opposing team’s best receiver. That will change this week as he will shadow Beckham Jr. everywhere other than the slot.

It will be where everyone pays attention to, but how the Redskins play against the Giants other weapons will truly dictate this game. Throughout his brief career Beckham Jr. has not had much help next to him at wide receiver, but the Giants now have two legitimate weapons in rookie Sterling Shepard and Victor Cruz.

Cruz is capable of taking over a game by himself, while Shepard has shined thus far as a rookie. While all attention will be given to the matchup between Beckham Jr. and Norman, how the rest of the Redskins’ secondary fares against the other Giants’ weapons will be what truly decides the game.

Odds:

Point Spread: Giants -3.5

Moneyline: Giants -115

Over/Under: 46.5 points

Prediction:

The win and loss column for the Giants and Redskins will remain unchanged this week. The Giants will keep their undefeated season going, defeating their NFC East rivals and keeping the losing streak of the Redskins going.

Through two games the Redskins have gotten torched through the air, and that will not change with Eli Manning and company. Norman talks a big game, but he cannot cover his teammates. The Giants will undoubtedly gameplan Beckham to be away from Norman at times during the game and expect them to get full advantage.

Antonio Brown and Dez Bryant both did whatever they wanted to do against the Redskins secondary; Brown went for eight receptions, 128 yards. and two touchdowns while Bryant rebounded from a poor game against the Giants with seven receptions for 102 yards against the Redskins.

Expect one of the Giants trio to have that level of success Sunday afternoon, as the Giants will move to 2-0 in the division and head into their tough stretch against the NFC North with a lot of momentum.

Prediction: Redskins: 13, Giants: 27

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