NFL Preseason Week 3 Picks: New York Giants vs. New York Jets

New York Giants vs. New York Jets
Friday, 8/22/14, 7:30 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Jets PK
Current Betting Line: Jets -1
Opening Total: 42.5
Current Total: 43.5
Odds Courtesy of 5Dimes

The New York Jets have named Geno Smith their starting quarterback to open up the 2014 season

The New York Giants have won all three of their 2014 preseason games, including a 27-26 victory over the Indianapolis Colts as one-point road underdogs last week, while the UNDER has cashed in two of the three contests. The Giants are hoping to receive better production from their first-team players in this matchup, which is important to consider when making your NFL betting picks, as head coach Tom Coughlin expects the starters to play 25 to 30 snaps.

The Giants and Jets meet on Friday for the 46th consecutive preseason since the series began in 1969. Once starting quarterback Eli Manning leaves the field, Coughlin is interested to see if Ryan Nassib can continue his strong play and secure the backup role, as he completed 11 of 15 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown in Indianapolis last time out. It’s important to point out that the team will likely play without the services of some key players, including cornerback Prince Amukamara and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

The New York Jets also enter with an unblemished exhibition record—picking up wins over the Colts and Cincinnati Bengals—winning the statistical battle in each of those affairs. Geno Smith’s been named the starting signal-caller for the Green & White, and he’ll likely get an opportunity to target offseason acquisition Eric Decker for the first time, who has been battling a quad injury in camp. He’s led the NFL the past two seasons with 18 red-zone touchdowns as a member of the Denver Broncos, with a lot of that success being attributed to having Peyton Manning running that offense.

The Jets are expected to have one of the best defenses in the league, which can’t be ignored when looking over the NFL betting odds, but their still battling some injuries at the cornerback position. Dimitri Patterson is expected to return to action after participating in practice, but there’s been no update on Dee Milliner, who is suffering from a high ankle sprain and will likely sit out until the regular season opener on Sept. 7.