This total can go two ways, but the market is telling us its expectations in the number itself. We would understand if this number was 47 or even 46.5. After all, the Giants’ game-plan is clear – run it down their enemy’s throats, control the clock, and prevent their foes from possessing the ball (Dallas only had it twice in the second half of SNF). And it’s not like the Rams’ offense showed an inkling of its potential last Wednesday.
In perhaps the most surprising result of Week 1, the Rams’ offense looked clumsy and anemic in Melbourne. Gaining just 15 first downs and averaging just 5.1 yards per play, much like the Cowboys they were also controlled by their opponents. In fact, the stats of the winners are similar (San Francisco ran for 174 yards and held the ball for 33:50, NYG ran for 176 and held it for 36:40). The Rams also went a putrid 2-of-9 from third down and turned it over twice. In any case, LAR didn’t exactly bestow confidence that their offense is ready to show its best form in game two.
The Giants were also impressive defensively, against a projected top-10 offense.
Still, this remains a high total at 48, one that eclipses many key numbers (38, 40, 41, 46, and 47, to be exact). Why is that?
That’s because the Rams, who are assertive -7 to -7.5 home favorites, are expected to control the pace of this battle, not the Giants. By no means are we saying the Giants are a one-hit wonder. The G-Men showed plenty of reasons for their fans to get excited, including on defense, where they shut down George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb (28 and 44 yards, respectively).
But it’s the Rams who will come out with vengeance after such a poor performance 10 days prior. And the way the Rams run business is diametrically opposite of New York: they’re built on explosive plays.
Giants vs Rams Best Bet
The Giants’ defense looked better, but they don’t know the Rams like the 49ers do. Nor does John Harbaugh, who only faced the Rams once every four years in Baltimore. We like Los Angeles to score immediately, which means the Giants will be chasing. If New York can get to 20, and we think they will, this should soar over 50.
Giants vs Rams prediction: Over 48 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to 49.5.
