New York Giants vs Washington Commanders Preview (12/18/22): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Chart

It may not be the most exciting game on paper, but this SNF matchup presents a divisional rematch between the New York Giants and Washington Commanders who are in the midst of battling for a playoff spot. After their earlier matchup resulted in a tie, both teams will look to gain the advantage over each other with a key tie breaker as we near playoffs. Who will come out on top?

New York Giants vs Washington Commanders Betting Odds

Oddsmakers lean towards Washington pulling out the win this time around, opening their number at -3.5. Bettors were quick in agreement, taking them up to -4 as of writing. With their playoff chances potentially clinging to this game and coming off of a bye week, Washington will look to limit the Giants with their vaunted defense and put their offense in the best position possible to succeed.

As for the total, points are expected to be scored at a premium once again as oddsmakers set the opening number at 40. The same exact total that was the result in their last game, tying at 20-20. Bettors favor the under this time around, hitting the total to 39.5. Both units contrast in what carries them to victory with the Giants relying on their offensive success while Washington limits opponents with their defense.

New York Giants vs Washington Commanders Prediction

The Pick: Washington -3.5

With that said, I will back Washington while well rested off a bye week in this rematch as they can negate the Giants offense and dictate the pace with their offense. Even with a struggling offense, their metrics still grade out better than the Giants defense. They have been off to a hot start since Taylor Heinicke took over under center, going 5-1-1 in their last seven.

Their success in the past seven games have especially been attributed to the defensive side of things, dominating opposing units behind an elite pass rush. Forcing opposing quarterbacks to scramble and throw into tight coverage has resulted in them stalling out drives and limiting scoring opportunities.

Until their offense can find consistent success, they will need to once again rely on the success of their defense. Limiting the opposition’s drives and giving their offense as many chances as possible with generous field position.

Even with opposing quarterback Daniel Jones playing increasingly better, the Giants offense still suffers from being one dimensional and over reliant on the ground game. Washington will be more than capable of cutting off the ground success from Saquon Barkley, ranking top-5 in Def Rush DVOA.

Betting Trends

• Giants are 1-8 ATS in their last nine December games
• Commanders are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight games

Key Injuries

New York Giants Injuries: Richie James (Q)

Washington Commanders Injuries: N/A

Key Matchups

While Washington is capable of shutting down the Giant’s defense, can their offense do their part and put-up points on the board?

Washington ground game vs Giants rush defense

It’s no secret that the Giants have a star running back in Saquon Barkley who plays a key role in New York’s success. Washington has a pair of stud running backs as well, a lethal duo that can burn opposing defenses through the air and ground.

The issue? They are widely inconsistent behind a mediocre offensive line. Neither running back has eclipsed 600 yards on the ground, with only a combined five rushing touchdowns between the two. While Brian Robinson is confined to his running ability, Antonio Gibson has played a bigger role in the pass. Gibson has 326 yards and two touchdowns through the air.

They both have a major opportunity to succeed in this one as the Giants have a bottom ranked Def DVOA rating. With their inability to limit both the pass and ground game, we may see some sustained success from Washington this time around.

Verdict

In this highly anticipated rematch that can play a major role in playoff seeding, I will back Washington as their defense will play a major role in dictating the result in this game.

New York Giants Depth Chart

QB: Daniel Jones
RB1: Saquon Barkley
RB2: Matt Breida
LWR: Kenny Golladay
RWR: Marcus Johnson
SWR: Darius Slayton
TE1: Daniel Bellinger

Washington Commanders Depth Chart

QB: Taylor Heinicke
RB1: Antonio Gibson
RB2: Brian Robinson
LWR: Terry McLaurin
RWR: Jahan Dotson
SWR: Curtis Samuel
TE1: Logan Thomas