We get one of the more classic yearly prime-time battles on Monday Night Football in Week 3 as the Dallas Cowboys take on the New York Giants. Even if both teams look a little different than they have in years past, there is still no love lost between the Cowboys and the G-Men. Even though it's early in the season, this divisional matchup provides some interesting betting angles.
Spread: Giants -1
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Giants are favored in what is essentially a pick'em. One of two things is going to happen when the clock hits 0:00 late Monday night.
Either the Giants will improbably start 3-0 or Cooper Rush will go to 2-0 on the young season. No one was high on the Giants coming into the season, and I'm not so sure anyone is after two weeks. Should the Giants go 3-0, they'd have the same record as the Eagles. That's insane, especially since Daniel Jones has looked average, he plays behind a porous offensive line and questions remain about whether Saquon Barkley is fully back after a series of injuries the last two years. Safe to say, it remains to be seen as to whether this Giants team is punching above their weight.
Dallas has the weapons, but it's without Dak. So, the question becomes, can Cooper Rush find CeeDee Lamb downfield? The wide receiver had 75 yards on seven targets in last week's win over the Bengals. The Cowboys could be getting Michael Gallup back, which will give Rush another downfield threat and potentially open Lamb up some more.
There is no real value on either side of the spread on this one, and sometimes the best bet is no bet. Yours truly will be at MetLife Stadium as the honored guest of a Giants fan, so I'll root, root, root for the home team. But my gut is leaning towards the Cowboys. They have more weapons, and I just have a tough time picturing the 2022 New York Giants as one of only three unbeaten teams when Week 3 is said and done with.
Lean: Cowboys ML (-110)
Over/Under: 39 Total Points
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Another low prime-time total, the second-lowest total of the week after the Steelers/Browns game on Thursday, which was set at 38. However, it's justified. The Giants offense has looked mediocre at best, averaging 20 points per game. Dallas has Cooper Rush in at quarterback in place of the injured Dak Prescott. But there is value in the total here, for sure. According to Pickwise, totals of 39 or less in division games are 20-13-1 (61 percent) since 2015. And while many will look to Sunday night's ugly 11-10 game between the Niners and Broncos and hammer the under, we're rolling with the over in a better football game.
Bet: Over 39 (-110)
Best NFL Prop Bets
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CeeDee Lamb Over 4.5 receptions. (-130)
Lamb had seven receptions last week on 11 targets. Having Michael Gallup back may cut into his targets some, but I'd wager his ability to stretch the field will open up Lamb even more. He should see enough targets to cover this number.
Saquon Barkley Over 23.5 receiving yards (-125)
The Cowboy's front seven should get significant pressure on Daniel Jones, making the short passing game his best friend. Barkley caught three passes on four targets for 16 total yards last week against the Panthers and 30 yards through the air on six targets against the Titans.
Ezekiel Elliot Under 58.5 rushing yards (-110)
Elliot hasn't gone over this total yet this season. The Giants rushing attack ranks in the middle of the pack. But just like last season, Tony Pollard is starting to cut into Elliot's carries. Look for that trend to continue.
Cooper Rush Over 1.5 touchdown passes (+170)
If we are playing the over on the low total, then touchdowns will have to fall. With Gallup back and Lamb and Pollard as receiving threats as well, we think Rush could surprise and toss a couple of touchdown passes. It's worth a look at.
Daniel Jones Over 0.5 interceptions (-115)
Danny Dimes does not do well in the face of a strong defensive front seven. He has not faced a pass rush like the Cowboys yet this season. We think at least one interception is set to fall on Monday Night.
