Detroit Lions (12-5) vs. New York Giants (3-11)
As we step into the NFL Preseason Week 1, the matchup between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants is set to capture significant attention. The Lions, boasting a commendable 12-5 record from the last season, are preparing to take on the Giants, who struggled with a 3-11 standing. This game, scheduled for Thursday, August 8, 2024, at the iconic MetLife Stadium, promises to offer an early glimpse into the potential trajectories of both teams this season. Fans seeking free NFL preseason picks will find this early matchup a particularly intriguing evaluation of offseason developments and strategy adjustments.
The Lions’ offense was extremely dynamic last season due to strong performances in the rushing and receiving departments. Running back David Montgomery turned into a beast with 1,015 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, offering reliability and explosive play potential. In receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had a breakout year with 1,515 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. His knack for turning short gains into big plays was vital to Detroit’s offensive plan, making them one of the teams to watch in this preseason.
However, Giants struggled greatly but had glimpses of hope that they will aim to ignite this year. Tommy DeVito got his chance at quarterback and had a few good starts amassing 1,101 passing yards on a 64% completion rate. The running game led by Daniel Jones was less productive but still efficient at 5.2 rushing yards per attempt by Jones himself. Darius Slayton is a significant part of the receiving corps as he can stretch the field for the Giants offensive hopes.
Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants Game Info
| When: | Thursday, August 8 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | MetLife Stadium |
| TV: | — |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Jared Goff QB vs. Tommy DeVito QB
Jared Goff was remarkable last season with a 67.3% completion rate over 4,575 passing yards and 30 touchdowns. He has been the focal point for Detroit with his ability to lead and accuracy, making him one of the best quarterbacks in the league last year. This will help evaluate Detroit’s depth as well as its adjustments in strategy throughout preseason.
Tommy DeVito shows glimpses of potential despite his lack of experience. With a passer rating of 89.2 and only three interceptions, how he progresses this preseason will set the tone for the Giants offense game plan . The manner in which he performs against a strong Detroit defense would be invaluable in determining whether he is capable of starting.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Detroit Lions +150, Total Odds: 36.5
The betting odds favor the Giants slightly, despite their poorer record, reflecting perhaps the unpredictable nature of preseason matchups and the potential for unexpected outcomes. The point spread and total over/under also provide interesting angles for bettors, with the Lions’ recent trends suggesting a capability to outperform expectations.
Detroit Lions Betting Trends
The Lions have been strong against the spread, going 10-2 in their last 12 road games, which might influence betting strategies. Their tendency to surpass scoring expectations, with the total going OVER in 9 of their last 12 games, makes them a formidable team for those looking at over/under bets.
New York Giants Betting Trends
The Giants have shown resilience at home, going 5-0-1 ATS in their last six home games. This trend might offer some home-ground comfort against the statistically superior Lions, providing a potentially tighter contest than the records alone might suggest.
Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants 8/8/24 Betting Picks
Considering both teams’ performances and the unpredictable nature of preseason games, this matchup could go either way. However, the Lions’ stronger last-season performance and solid ATS record on the road provide a slight edge. For those looking at prop bets or over/under, the Lions’ tendency to participate in higher-scoring games might make betting the over an attractive option.
In conclusion, while the Giants could leverage their home advantage, the Lions appear to be the safer bet based on past performance metrics. Betting on the Lions to cover and considering a slight lean towards the OVER on total points could offer value to those seeking action in this preseason opener. Be sure to check top online casino platforms for the best odds and additional betting options.
