The Las Vegas Raiders will travel to the Meadowlands for Sunday’s matchup against the New York Giants that features two teams in a bit of turmoil.
The Raiders have had to answer questions throughout the week about former teammate Henry Ruggs III, who was released Tuesday after being involved in a car collision in which the wide receiver was reportedly driving about 156 mph and had twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system. The accident resulted in the death of the other driver.
The Giants, on the other hand, aren't dealing with the same amount of issues off the field, but they have seen their fair share of issues on the field this season.
They are coming off a 20-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football and are 2-6 on the season.
The Giants have also been dealing with COVID-19 issues throughout the week. Fortunately, 12 of the 13 tests turned out to be false positives.
Running back Saquon Barkley tested positive earlier in the week but was able to join the team again on Friday. He has already been ruled out for Sunday’s game due to an ankle injury.
Here are the top three props bettors are eyeing in the matchup, per PointsBet.
Raiders vs. Giants Most Bet Player Props
- Giants first to score 10 points (+105)
- Team who scores first wins game YES (-200)
- Punt to be outcome of first drive (-150)
Bettors are expecting the Giants to score first, but they're the worst team in the NFL in first-quarter scoring, averaging just 1.6 points per game.
Over the last three games, they have totaled three first-quarter points … combined.
But, if you believe in regression — or in this case a progression — to the mean and expect the Giants’ first quarter performances to improve, then that could be the right side.
However, it does bode well for a punt to be the outcome of the first drive. The Giants are notoriously slow starters — no one really expects them to blow the doors off on their first drive.
And if the Raiders get the ball first, a sluggish start could be expected after traveling across the country and kicking off at 10 a.m. Vegas time.
Figuring out a way to move on without Ruggs could take some time as well.
With 60% implied probability at -150, there is some juice to lay but it could be worth it in the end.
