OffshoreInsiders Handicapping Blog

The NY Giants take on the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football. Sportsbooks have The Giants a 4.5 point favorite (as much as five at NewBodog) with a total of 43.5 to 44.

After an 0-2 straight up and ATS start, the Giants have won and covered three straight with each of the wins by a touchdown or more. Meanwhile, Atlanta is 1-4 SU and all four losses are by six or more.

The Giants are giving up just 4.1 yards per play during their winning streak. For the year, they allow 5.3 yards per play against teams normally allowing 5.6. They have been their best against the run allowing 3.6 yards per rush to teams normally getting 4.1.

Actually, the Giants are getting only 4.9 yards per play during their three game winning streak. This compares to 5.5 yards per play for the year against teams normally allowing 5.2.

New York offensively averages a sensational 4.4 yards per rush against teams normally allowing 3.8. Atlanta’s defense has been respectable allowing 20 points per game to teams normally getting 20.3 and 5.5 yards per play to teams normally getting 5.5.

Amazingly the road team has won 11 straight outright in this series, covering the last six. Atlanta is ravaged by injuries on their offensive line minus both tackles Wayne Gandy and Todd Weiner. Starting in their place is an undrafted rookie Renardo Foster and an unproven second year player Tyson Clabo.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning has won seven straight October games.

Sports betting trends say that Atlanta has gone over 15-4 since 1992 to teams with a winning percentage in the .500s. Atlanta is 15-35 against the spread since 1992 to teams averaging 24 or more points per game. New York is 32-8 in the back pocket after getting more than 150 yards rushing last game.

Joey Harrington will start at QB for the Falcons, but he and is 24-48 career record could be on a short leash as recently signed Byron Leftwich has had several weeks to learn the offense.

Atlanta can find solace in knowing the Giants have struggled against receiving tight ends and they have one of the best in Alge Crumpler.