Giants vs. Washington 2021 NFL Week 2 Odds, Analysis and Pick

By Hank Blaine • September 15, 2021

Not exactly the most exciting Thursday night matchup of the season to kick off Week 2 in the NFL as the 0-1 New York Giants visit the 0-1 Washington Football Team, which is a 3-point favorite despite not having its No. 1 quarterback.

This NitroBetting Giants vs Washington preview shares essential information, starting with basic event details, team and players statistics, and the NFL betting odds. On top of that, we provide timely betting trends and expert betting predictions that help you lock in on the best picks. Find everything you need down below. And don’t forget to check out the latest 2021 NFL odds at out online Bitcoin sportsbook.

Giants vs. Washington Game Information

To win the division, you gotta win in the division#WashingtonFootball pic.twitter.com/466eyZxcOv
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) September 16, 2021

When: Thursday, September 16, 8:20 PM ET
Where: FedExField, Greater Landover, Maryland
TV: NFL NETWORK
Radio: WFAN-FM 101.9 (Giants) / The Team 980 AM (Washington)
Live Stream:NFL Game Pass
NFL Odds: New York Giants (+3) / Washington Football Team (-3)

Why Bet on the New York Giants?

Both offenses looked pretty lousy in Week 1. The Giants were 27-13 home losers to the Denver Broncos. Daniel Jones threw a 37-yard touchdown to Sterling Shepard for New York and ran for a 4-yard touchdown on the final play. Jones finished 22 of 37 for 253 yards. He also lost a fumble in the red zone with the Giants trailing 20-7 in the third quarter. Turnovers have always been Jones’ problem.

Running back Saquon Barkley, the 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year who tore his ACL early last year, played but did little with 26 yards rushing on 10 carries and one catch. No. 1 tight end Evan Engram didn’t play due to a calf injury and is not expected to Thursday. Kyle Rudolph would start again in his place but he was quiet Sunday, too.

In four career starts against Washington, Jones has thrown eight touchdown passes against three interceptions for a 100.0 rating and aims for his third in a row at Washington with a passer rating of 90-or-higher. Barkley has totaled 587 scrimmage yards (195.7 per game) in three career games against Washington, including a career-high 279 scrimmage yards (career-best 189 rushing yards, 90 receiving yards) and two TDs (one rushing, one receiving) in his last game against Washington (December 22, 2019).

Sterling Shepard led the Giants with 113 receiving yards Sunday, his 10th-career 100-yard performance, and has recorded a touchdown catch in two of his past three games at Washington. In his Giants debut, wide receiver Kenny Golladay caught 4-of-6 targets for 64 yards, making a couple of strong, contested catches.

Why Bet on the Washington Football Team?

Washington was upset 20-16 at home by the Chargers on Sunday and has lost starting QB Ryan Fitzpatrick for likely 6-8 weeks with a hip injury. He was replaced by Taylor Heinicke, who will start Thursday’s game. Heinicke completed 11 of 15 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown Sunday. In three games with Washington dating to last season, including one start in a playoff loss to Tampa Bay, Heinicke has completed 62.8% of his passes for 565 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Heinicke hasn’t started a regular-season game since Dec. 23, 2018, with the Panthers. Kyle Allen was inactive in Week 1 but will be the backup. Heinicke’s issue is health. In his limited amount of opportunities, he’s always gotten hurt. Part of it is his size combined with his style of play as he runs a lot.

No. 1 receiver Terry McLaurin had four catches for 62 yards vs. the Chargers and had seven receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown in the last meeting vs. the Giants. He aims for his fourth game in a row against the Giants with at least seven catches and 70 receiving yards.

RB Antonio Gibson had 20 carries for 90 yards and added three receptions for 18 yards Sunday. Gibson’s 108 yards from scrimmage were the most by a Washington running back in Week 1 since Adrian Peterson’s 166 in 2018. Gibson was a limited participant in practice early this week but fully expected to play Thursday.

In the loss to the Chargers, Washington had multiple issues, but third-down defense was a major one. The pass rush did not bother quarterback Justin Herbert nearly enough as Los Angeles converted 14 of 18 third downs. The 14 third-down conversions were the most allowed in Washington history.

New York won both vs. Washington last year but by only a combined four points. The one in Maryland was 23-20. Jones threw for 212 yards and a TD. Alex Smith was the Washington QB that day and picked off three times.

Giants vs. Washington Betting Trends

The Giants are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 road games.
The Giants are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games in September.
The total went under in 8 of the Giants’ last 8 games.
Washington is 1-6 ATS in the last 7 games played in September.
Washington is 1-5 SU in the last 6 games at home.
The total went under in 6 of Washington’s last 7 games.

Giants vs. Washington Expert Betting Predictions

I think it could end up with the following score of Washington 24, Giants 20. Only time will tell on Thursday night, when NFL Week 2 kicks off!

Check out our latest sports betting guides for the 2021 NFL Regular Season. Stay tuned for more Football previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest Football betting odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.