New York Giants at New England Patriots: betting preview, free tip, TV details

Free NFL picks, tips and predictions for New York Giants at New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Thursday night.

When to watch

Sky Sports Action, 1.20am Thursday night

Best bet

Over 11.5 New York Giants points
1pt 5-6 Sky Bet

Match preview

It is impossible to look at a game between the Giants and Patriots without immediately thinking of Super Bowl XLII.

New England had been unstoppable, securing a 16-0 record during the regular season, and were 12-point favourites over New York to post a perfect season.

However things didn’t work out that way, and the Giants ended up winning 17-14 to shock the world and win their first Super Bowl since 1990. They then beat the Patriots again four years later.

This time, New York take on the Bill Belichick juggernaut in very different circumstances.

New England continue to be the dominant force of the NFL, having breezed to a 5-0 record without really breaking a sweat.

They boast the best defence in the league, having given up an average of 238 total yards per game with opposition offences scoring just two touchdowns against them, both of which were rushing.

The Giants have rookie quarterback Daniel Jones under centre after Eli Manning was benched. Jones has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their 32-31 win over Tampa Bay, where he passed for two touchdowns while also running in two himself.

They are still very much a team in transition, highlighted by their 28-10 defeat to Minnesota last weekend, and the likely absences of Saquon Barkley, Sterling Shepard and potentially Evan Engram puts head coach Pat Shurmur's back firmly against the wall.

But despite these issues they were able to move the ball downfield consistently against the Vikings and if the likes of Darius Slayton and veteran receiver Golden Tate rise to the occasion they should be able to put points on the board.

All things considered it is an understandably low points line for the Giants, but as they have proved in the past this game is never straightforward and the Big Blue could have something to cheer about on Thursday night.

The lowdown

Venue Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Surface Artificial
Weather Rain, 10C
Vegas handicap New York Giants +16.5
Vegas points line 41.5

Team news

New York Giants
Wide receiver Sterling Shepard is doubtful with concussion while running back Saquon Barkley and tight end Evan Engram are rated as questionable.

New England
Running back Rex Burkhead has been struggling with a foot injury and is rated questionable, as are receivers Josh Gordon, Julian Edelman and Phillip Dorsett and safety Patrick Chung.

Key stat

New York have scored 14 or more points in four of their five matches this season.

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