NFL Betting Predictions & Odds For Lions vs. Giants (11/20/22)

The Lions are on their first win streak of the Dan Campbell era, and it feels like they finally crossed a bridge in last week’s win over the Bears. For the second consecutive week, the defense closed out a game. This time, the offense showed up as well to give Detroit a rare road win. Can they carry that momentum into East Rutherford? The Giants are looking to continue out-coaching teams and improve to 8-2.

Let’s make predictions, dive into the depth charts, and take a look at the odds ahead of Sunday’s matchup at MetLife Stadium.

Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants Odds

The Giants are 3-point home favorites, entering at -170 on the moneyline. The over/under is set at 46.5 points.

The Giants had a hard time shaking the Texans at home, winning comfortably thanks to some red zone mistakes by Houston. That might not work so well against the Lions, who clearly have a better offense than the Texans and look like they’ve regained some confidence. It’ll again be on Saquon Barkley’s shoulders to decimate a lackluster run defense and carry the Giants to a win.

Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants Prediction

The Lions have made me a believer again. The defensive display against the Packers was probably more of a fluke than anything, but the unit has shown it can at least make plays when needed. The offense, meanwhile, finally has Amon-Ra St. Brown and both running backs healthy. Detroit should have the offensive advantage over a Giants team still starved for receiving weapons.

The Giants’ offense played with fire too often against the Texans but was bailed out. I wouldn’t bank on the same luck against the Lions. Where New York can win is with Barkley. Detroit’s run defense is not impressive by any means, and the run-Barkley-into-the-ground plan worked against Houston with 144 yards on 32 carries. If the Lions can limit Barkley to smaller gains, this game should at least be close until the end. Where else would the offense come from for the Giants?

Betting Trends

• The Lions are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games against NFC opponents.
• The Giants are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
• The under is 7-0 in the Giants’ last 7 home games against a team with a losing record.

Key Injuries

Detroit Lions Injuries: LB Malcolm Rodriguez (elbow) is questionable after missing Week 10. WR Josh Reynolds (back) is questionable after missing the last two games. WR D.J. Chark remains on IR with an ankle injury. C Frank Ragnow’s status is unknown after he was seen in a walking boot after Sunday’s win.

New York Giants Injuries: OT Evan Neal (knee) and TE Daniel Bellinger (eye) both missed Week 10 but haven’t been ruled out for a Week 11 return. S Xavier McKinney remains out after injuring his hand in an ATV accident. OLB Azeez Ojulari (calf) remains on IR.

Lions vs Giants Key Matchups

Check out the key matchups and mismatches for Lions vs. Giants below.

Saquon Barkley vs. Lions Run Defense

The Lions statistically have one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, allowing more rushing yards than any team other than the Texans and allowing more yards per carry than every NFC team other than, ironically, the Giants. That’s a major red flag against this run-heavy Giants offense.

Detroit will first have to clamp down on Barkley, who’s quickly approaching 1,000 yards this season, but the unit will also need to keep Daniel Jones from making plays with his legs. Jones’ rushing ability has been the difference in some games this year.

Amon-Ra St. Brown vs. Giants Secondary

The Lions have been tough to gauge at times this year, but one thing has become very obvious: Detroit is much better when Amon-Ra St. Brown is fully healthy. It’s not a coincidence that the Lions had one of the league’s top offenses when St. Brown was at his best early in the season, and his return to form this past weekend sparked the offense again.

The Giants’ pass defense is above-average across the board this year. With two receivers battling injuries plus T.J. Hockenson gone, slowing St. Brown is the key to stopping the Lions.

Detroit Lions Depth Chart

QB: Jared Goffl
RB1: D’Andre Swift
RB2: Jamaal Williams
LWR: Kalif Raymond
RWR: Amon-Ra St. Brown
SWR: Josh Reynolds
TE1: Brock Wright

New York Giants Depth Chart

QB: Daniel Jones
RB1: Saquon Barkley
RB2: Matt Breida
RB3: Gary Brightwell
LWR: Kenny Golladay
RWR: Wan’Dale Robinson
SWR: Darius Slayton