The New York Giants enter Monday night’s matchup with the New England Patriots as a fairly heavy underdog.
New England (10-2) has the exact opposite record as New York (2-10), and is looking to pick up a one-game lead over the Denver Broncos as the AFC’s No. 1 seed before they head into their bye week.
But the Patriots have a tall task on their hands tonight with a major weakness against a Giants‘ major strength.
Their offensive line is banged up, and the Pats could be without three starters as they prepare for a fierce New York defensive front.
The Athletic’s Chad Graff reports that center Garrett Bradbury is questionable with an illness.
Patriots’ Offensive Line Woes
Drake Maye could be running for his life tonight.
Even if Bradbury is good to go for tonight, the New England Patriots will be without left tackle Will Campbell and left guard Jared Wilson.
With the New York Giants’ defensive front, that could be a recipe for disaster for the Patriots.
Edge Kayvon Thibedeaux has been dealing with a shoulder injury and has been ruled out, but Dexter Lawrence, Abdul Carter, and Brian Burns are all up and good to go for the Monday night tilt.
Burns is only second behind Myles Garrett in sacks this season, with 13 through 12 games. He should feast on New England’s reserve offensive linemen.
Carter, despite not stuffing the stat sheet this season, has been productive in terms of pressures, and the No. 3 pick in last April’s draft could finally break out tonight with a signature performance.
Lawrence hasn’t been elite this year, likely thanks to a lingering elbow injury, but he has every opportunity to get back on track against the Patriots.
The Giants’ defense, under interim defensive coordinator Charlie Bullen, has a chance to step up in a big way Monday night.
Patriots Aren’t Taking the Giants Lightly
Despite the New England Patriots being a near-touchdown favorite across most sports books, they aren’t expecting an easy win over the New York Giants.
Veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs said as much via The New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy.
“We’ve got to prepare the right way because this is a [expletive] good defense and everybody knows it. Everybody in the league has seen it.”
While the stats don’t necessarily back Diggs’ claim up, the defense has several playmakers who can change the game on any given down.
The Giants’ defense currently ranks 29th in EPA/play and is dead last against the run.
Their biggest strength is getting after the quarterback.
Second-year quarterback Drake Maye, who is the fourth-most sacked signal caller in the league with 37, is something New York will have to capitalize on if they want any chance of winning.
With the return of rookie sensation Jaxson Dart under center, the Giants will have the opportunity to pull off an upset over a team that has eight more wins than them.
After all, New York has nothing left to lose at this point in the season.
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