NFL Predictions Week 6: Buffalo Bills at New York Giants, Sunday Betting Preview

Buffalo Bills at New York Giants
Sunday, 10/15/11, 1:00 PM EST, TV: CBS
Opening Point Spread: New York -3
Current Betting Line: New York -3
Opening Total: 48.5
Current Total: 50
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

New York Giants QB Eli Manning is coming off a three interception performance last week

Buffalo is tied with New England and San Diego for the AFC’s best record, coming off a 31-24 win over the Philadelphia Eagles as three-point home underdogs. “They have beaten the outstanding teams,” commented Giants head coach Tom Coughlin. Much of the success is attributed to a tremendous red zone offense, scoring touchdowns in 75 percent of its trips, which ranks No. 1 in the NFL. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has been a big part of that success, completing 17 of 27 passes for 110 yards, nine touchdowns and zero interceptions. Buffalo is 14-8 ATS versus NFC East competition and 3-0 ATS as an underdog this year.

The Bills will likely try and pound the football in averaging 138.2 rushing yards per game, which is the league’s fourth-best ground attack. Those numbers could improve against a stop unit that is allowing 159.3 rushing yards over the last three weeks. Buffalo would be smart to implement this style of offense due to the Giants already producing a league-high 18 sacks this season. It’s important to note that the offensive line may be perfect in handling that, allowing a league-low four sacks.

New York is coming off an inexcusable 36-25 loss to the Seattle Seahawks as 10-point home favorites, actually winning the statistical battle for the first time this season in a losing effort. Quarterback Eli Manning must bounce back after a downtrodden effort, throwing three interceptions last week, which brought back memories of his league-high 25 picks from a season ago. New York is 17-20 ATS over the last two-plus seasons and 12-14 ATS as a favorite over that span.

The Giants may elect to be very conservative offensively due to facing an opportunistic Bills team that brings in a plus-11 turnover ratio. This will be the 11th-regular season meeting between the two teams, with New York trailing 6-4 in the series. The franchise has actually won just one home games against Buffalo since 1970. Coming away with a victory comes down to improving a rushing attack that is gaining just 83.8 yards per game and is second-worst with a 3.2 yards per carry average.