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By Michael Stewart/@golferbad

Introduction: The 5-8 New York Giants return home after a convincing victory against the depleted Washington Redskins 40-16. Their next opponent will be the 7-6 Tennessee Titans who are coming off a well earned win against the Jacksonville Jaguars 30-9. The Giants are rolling with a 4-1 record since their bye week averaging 31.4 points per game during that stretch. Defensively; the Giants are making big plays at the right time and hope to continue that trend against the Titans. As for the Titans, this team is only averaging 19.3 points per game offensively led by quarterback Marcus Mariota and running Derrick Henry. On defense, the Titans have surrendered 19.5 points per game and have a solid group of players led by Jurrell Casey and Jayon Brown. As for the Giants, they are led by running back Saquon Barkley on offense who’s having the best rookie season in Giants history. On Defense, the Giants are making big plays when they need to.

Top 3 Matchups:

  1. 1. Giants offensive line-vs-Titans defensive line: The Titans have 33 sacks on the year and really apply a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Giants offensive line has been keeping Manning off his back and giving him a little more time in the pocket. The Giants need to continue this trend and allow Manning to a little time to find the open receiver.
  2. Giants running game-vs-Titans running game: Derrick Henry ran for 238 yards on 17 carries; which included a 99 yard touchdown run and a total of four touchdowns. Saquon Barkley ran for 170 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. Both teams need to run the ball to be effective and to open up the passing game.
  3. Special teams: Kicker Aldrick Rosas is 28/29 thus far and is having a Pro Bowl season. Cory Coleman has given the Giants a spark on kick returns over the last five games averaging 27.4 per return. The Titans kicker Ryan Succop is 22/25 the season and kickoff specialist Darius Jennings is averaging 34.4 in return with a touchdown. This game could very well be decided by a field goal or a great return late in the game.

Summary: The Giants might have a little more trouble moving the ball against this Titan defense, especially with the possibility of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. missing his second straight game with an injury. So it’s important for them to look for big plays once again from Saquon Barkley who is deadly once he breaks through the first line of defense and into the open field. The same can be said for Derrick Henry as well. Both teams need to be careful in the turnover department and not make costly mistakes. This game could be a low scoring affair or one team will blow out the other. I can’t see both teams scoring at will, so the team that executes the best should come out on top. In the end, the Giants continue their winning ways with a tough home win that could be decided in the final five minutes.

Final Score: Giants-20/Titans-17