Denver Broncos vs. New York Giants Matchup Preview (9/12/21): Betting Odds, Depth Charts, Live Stream (Watch Online)

The New York Giants are likely still one year away from being one year away. The 2020 season was not very kind to them as they lost star running back Saquon Barkley in just their second game. From there, Daniel Jones felt even more pressure than usual to perform at a high level. Jones did not get the protection he needed nor have the offensive receiving weapons necessary to compete at a high level. This combination created a borderline disastrous season. Although, an optimist may look at the Giants’ 6-5 record in their last 11 games of the season as a massive step in the right direction. New York did do a spectacular job this off-season loading up on free agents from every which way. It took care of Jones by signing Kenny Golladay and Kyle Rudolph; thus, it beefed up the receiving core.

Additionally, the Giants spent a lot of money and draft picks on their secondary, which struggled last season. Suddenly, the Giants project as a borderline top ten defense, which should give Daniel Jones some room to breathe as he develops. With all of that being said, this Week 1 matchup is in no way favorable to New York. It still has issues with its offensive line protecting Jones and giving holes to running backs. Denver’s defense is undeniably a top-three talent if it reaches its potential. The Broncos will penetrate and pressure Jones constantly, and this will result in either turnovers or inaccurate throws as Jones is still trying to grow in the NFL.

New York Giants Depth Chart

QB: Daniel Jones
RB1: Saquon Barkley
RB2: Devontae Booker
WR1: Kenny Golladay
WR2: Sterling Shepard
WR3: Darius Slayton
TE1: Evan Engram
TE2: Kyle Rudolph

Denver Broncos vs. New York Giants Betting Corner

• The Facts:

Denver stands as slight favorites at -2.5 points (-125), despite being on the road. The Broncos Moneyline is at -158, while the Giants Moneyline is +134. The over/under rests at 41.5 points, the lowest projected point total in the NFL for Week 1. That line should not change unless some of New York’s offensive weapons, who are currently questionable, wind up not playing.

• The Opinion:

Despite playing their first game on the road in front of a tough New York crowd, I see the Broncos winning this game. They have one of the top two or three defenses in the entire NFL, and it will be challenging for New York’s offensive line to keep pressure from reaching Daniel Jones. Additionally, Saquon Barkley is in his first game back from injury, so it may take him some time to re-adjust. The offensive line is a concern for New York, and even if the Giants can protect Jones, there is no guarantee that they will put points on the board because of how elite Denver’s secondary will be. Altogether, I like Denver to win by 7-10 points.

• My Predictions: Denver Broncos win 24-17, Denver Broncos cover -2.5
  

Denver Broncos vs. New York Giants Daily Fantasy Picks

If you opt to go with a few big stars in your DFS lineup and need some high-potential value picks for a low budget, consider Javonte Williams. Williams is already a favorite of starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who compared him to the likes of Alvin Kamara. That is exceptionally high praise for a rookie running back. While Williams may not get RB1 touches from the get-go, he will be a great value pick, especially considering his explosive playmaking ability and cost-efficient upside.

Jerry Jeudy is another player to keep your eye on before the start of Week 1. Jeudy profited substantially from Bridgewater being named the starter, and it is clear that the two have great chemistry. Jeudy will be relied upon just as heavily as last year, despite Courtland Sutton returning because Denver will likely throw more than the previous season. All of this equates to a boom year for Jeudy, who can put up higher-end WR2 numbers if all goes well. Lock him into your lineup while he is still cheap.