Detroit at NY Giants Odds, Betting Pick & TV Info

Posted by Michael Hunt on Thursday,December 15, 2016 8:00, EDT in

NFL News, Betting Tips, Picks & Previews

One of the biggest games of Week 15 features a pair of 9-4 teams facing off in Detroit and the New York Giants outside New York City. Both are in the playoffs as things currently stand, with the Lions leading the NFC North and the Giants the top wild-card team. They could play again in the first round of the postseason. New York is favored on NFL odds for this one.

Detroit at NY Giants Odds, Betting Pick & TV Info

Find out what the New York @Giants are saying as they prepare for their Week 15 matchup vs. the #Lions: https://t.co/jiZq3OExOz pic.twitter.com/Hr3wC8Us9B

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 15, 2016

When: Sunday, Dec. 18, 1 PM ET
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.
TV: Fox
Radio: Detroit / New York
Stream Option: NFL Live
Opening NFL Lines: Giants -4 (41)

Why Bet on Detroit?

The Lions clinch the NFC North with a victory and Packers loss to Chicago on Sunday or a tie and a Packers loss and Vikings loss or tie vs. Indianapolis.

The Lions improved to 9-4 with last week’s 20-17 victory over Chicago. It marked the eighth time this season in which the Lions won a game after trailing in the fourth quarter, the most such wins in a season in NFL history. QB Matthew Stafford, who scored the game-winning touchdown on a seven-yard rush with 3:17 remaining in the fourth quarter, has led eight game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime this season, the most by a quarterback in a single season since the 1970 merger. With three games remaining, Detroit is in control for the NFC North division title and a first-round bye.

Stafford dislocated the middle finger on his throwing hand and also tore ligaments vs. Chicago. Stafford won’t be 100% — he’s expected to deal with the injury for the rest of the regular season — and he said he’s not yet sure whether he’ll wear a glove in a game that could be played in rain and 40-degree temperatures. Stafford played the final three quarters against the Bears with a glove on his throwing hand, and threw two interceptions in the fourth quarter. Stafford said the finger injury he suffered Sunday against the Bears is not as bad as the one he dealt with in 2011.

“I’ve had the broken index before and played with that, and that’s no fun,” Stafford said of the 2011 injury. “But this one will be a little bit different. I don’t think it’s going to be as bad as that one was.”

Running back Theo Riddick (wrist) didn't practice Wednesday. Riddick missed Week 14 against the Bears. If Riddick sits again, and with Zach Zenner in the concussion protocol, Dwayne Washington would be set up for a somewhat heavy workload against the Giants.

Why Bet on NY Giants?

The Giants clinch a playoff berth in Week 15 if they win and the Redskins, Vikings and Packers all lose. Except all three are favored. Both the Lions and Giants will see their playoff odds swing by at least 35 percent based on the outcome of Sunday’s showdown at MetLife Stadium.

The Giants defeated Dallas 10-7 last Sunday night as New York moved to 9-4 and remains in control for a playoff berth. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. scored the game-winning touchdown on a 61-yard pass from quarterback Eli Manning. Beckham has nine career touchdown receptions of at least 60 yards, the second-most by a player in his first three seasons in NFL history (Harlon Hill, 10).

Giants running back Shane Vereen returned to practice Wednesday after suffering a concussion vs. Dallas. It’s a promising sign as the Giants began preparations for the Lions. Barring any setbacks, this could be the week the Giants finally have Vereen and starting left guard Justin Pugh (knee) back in the lineup. Pugh has missed the past five games.

New York needs more from Manning. He has thrown for fewer than 200 yards in each of his past three starts. He has completed just 56 of 94 passes. In that span, he has thrown six touchdowns and three interceptions. Manning said he has not been at his best the past three games. He has overthrown some open receivers and underthrown others. On the season, Manning has thrown 13 interceptions and lost four fumbles.