NEW YORK GIANTS
Tiki Torched: Eli is back, so is Jeremy Shockey and Plaxico Burress, and surprisingly so is Tom Coughlin. The guy who isn’t back is Tiki Barber, but he’s already starting fires in the Giant’s clubhouse. Tiki was the only guy torching defenses last season, but his recent criticism of Eli Manning’s leadership has the Giants questioning Tiki’s heart last season. They must have forgotten watching Barber carry the entire team on his back to a playoff appearance. Tiki was the most important guy on that team, and now he’s gone. It’ll be interesting to see if the Giants can find a replacement for all of those yards and touches.
Over or Under: Over the last 4 seasons the Giants are dead even over and under, going 30-30-4 over that time span. They were 7-9 O/U in 2006, never having a consecutive streak more than two one way or another. Seven times last season, the Giants had a total of 45 points or higher. New York finished under the total in all but one of those games, going 1-5-1 O/U. At home, the Giants couldn’t cover the total in 2006, going 2-5-1 O/U. The road was a different story, as New York finished 5-1-2 O/U away from home. Over the last 4 seasons, the Giants are only 14-19-1 O/U. On the road during the regular season, New York is 17-11-3 O/U.
Against the Spread: The Giants were 8-8 ATS last season, but only covered 3 of those games at home, going 3-5 ATS in New York and 5-3 ATS on the road. Historically, over the past 4 seasons, the Giants just aren’t a home team. At home, they are 15-19 ATS over the last 4 seasons. On the road, New York is 15-15-2 ATS over that time. 30-34-2 ATS total in 4 seasons. The total ATS stats may be a little skewed, as the 2003 season produced a 3-12-1 ATS record. Take away that season, and the Giants are a decent bet at 27-22-1 ATS.
Straight Up: The Giants are 29-37 SU over the last 4 seasons, finishing with more than 9 wins once. The Giants were 11-5 in 2005, never losing more than 1 game in a row. The Giants were 8-8 last season, winning 6 of their first 8 games before finishing the season at a 3-5 clip, sulking into the playoffs, and losing a close game to the Eagles. New York was only 3-5 at home, but gathered 5 road wins. Over the last 4 seasons, the Giants have won only 15 of 34 home games. That’s terrible, especially for a team as talented as New York. They have one less road win, 14, than they do home wins.
Home Favorite?: The Giants just can’t get away from questions marks. Sure, they’ve been bad at home (15-19 SU and ATS) but as a favorite, you’d think the win percentage was way better. In 24 games as a home favorite, the Giants have only won 13 contests. 13. They are 11-13 ATS over that time as well. New York sells out every single game the Giants play, and they’ve only going 13-11 overall as a favorite. In New York, the Giants’ home-field advantage has been nullified.
