These last three weeks of Giants football have had a “final destination” feel for them. The difference is that they don’t die.
●Week 3: The Titans trail 12-7 with 24 seconds left. From the 7-yard line, Cam Ward throws into the end zone toward Elic Ayomanor, but the ball goes straight to Jevón Holland for the interception. The giants win.
●Week 4: The Cardinals trail 30-24 but have fourth-and-goal from the Giants’ 4 with 11 seconds remaining. Jacoby Brissett shoots for Michael Wilson on the left pylon, but Deonte Banks walks past, picks it up and returns it 98 yards. The giants win.
●Week 5: The Giants come back from 14 points behind to force overtime at 27-27. They miss a field goal, force a punt, then Cam Skattebo fumbles at the Washington 24. The Commanders get to the Giants 26 with 55 seconds left, but run just one more play and fail to attempt a field goal in one of the most incredibly inept sequences in NFL history. Giants tie.
These results leave the Giants at 3-1-1 and in first place in the NFC East in a season where the Eagles and Cowboys both have huge problems. Normally, they would suspect the Giants of living in an enchanted bubble about to burst.
But I’m not sure that’s the case here. In the Titans and Cardinals games, you could say the Giants played, and that reflects better coaching from John Harbaugh and his team. In Washington, the Giants were incompetent in overtime, but we must recognize the late return.
And maybe their luck isn’t quite out as the 1-4 Saints are next in line on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. New Orleans got off to an interesting start, losing by one point in overtime in Detroit and beating the Ravens in Baltimore. But in the last three weeks, they have lost eight, 21 and 10 points at home. Last week, Tyler Shough passed for all of 96 yards against the Vikings. Plus, he’s not a running threat, which was the Giants’ big problem against Jayden Daniels.
Jameis Winston was a backup for the Saints for four seasons, and the sight of lily flower on Saints helmets should push him to produce most of the Jameis Winston experience this week.
The draw: Giants +1.5.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (-7.5) vs. New York Jets
The Jets’ win over Cleveland last week featured some of the same elements as the Giants’ success. The Browns missed an extra point, punted and dropped a bunch of wide-open passes in the fourth quarter. Credit to the Jets for winning, but I’m not sure eight sacks is a repeatable act, especially in Foxborough, Mass., where they’re 1-14 in their last 15 visits.
The touchdown spread certainly makes it a tough choice, and it’s a chance for Aaron Glenn to completely change the narrative of this season and his tenure.
There’s even some hope in the injury report, as Omar Cooper Jr. is expected to play for the first time since Week 1, and the Patriots could be missing RB TreVeyon Henderson and perhaps OT Will Campbell. Still, this is a Patriots team that made the Super Bowl last season and is now struggling a bit after beating the Bills and crushing the Raiders.
Maybe Glenn will prove me wrong, but I can’t take that leap of faith with a 5-17 head coach over Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels.
The Houston Texans (+2.5) against the Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have a slight advantage playing a second consecutive game in London after a miracle field goal victory against the Eagles, while the Texans had to make the trip this week. There isn’t the usual difference here that you see between 1-4 and 4-1 teams, and I’m leaning on Will Anderson Jr. against a struggling Jacksonville offensive line. Perhaps Marvin Harrison Jr. can give CJ Stroud another receiving option beyond the excellent Nico Collins.
Carolina Panthers (-3.5) vs. Philadelphia EAGLES
It’s good timing for the Panthers, who are coming off a bye against an Eagles team that played last week in London. News broke Thursday that Jalen Hurts was out, leading to numerous injuries to top offensive players. The only hesitation is the Eagles Really need this game.
Baltimore Ravens (-4) against the CLEVELAND BROWNS
Tyler Huntley led the Ravens to a road victory in Atlanta, and I’m comfortable backing him again in Cleveland if Lamar Jackson isn’t able to return. The Browns defense gave up 116 yards to Jets bull RB Braelon Allen, and Derrick Henry figures to do the same or more. The Browns had to take a visit instead of practice on Wednesday because they are banged up everywhere.
Tennessee Titans (+6.5) vs. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Despite a popgun offense averaging 11.6 points per game, the Titans have covered two spreads this season. Brian Daboll should get more from Cam Ward and Carnell Tate against a Colts defense that has terrible DVOA against the run and pass.
ATLANTA FALCONS (+1.5) against the Chicago Bears
This handicap changes depending on whether one, both or neither of Caleb Williams and Michael Penix Jr. returns to action. On Thursday morning, it looked like both would play. As much as I like to back Ben Johnson, the Falcons have a clear advantage on defense, especially given the suspension of Chicago’s Montez Sweat.
Editor’s note: Williams and Penix Jr. will play Sunday.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5) vs. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Todd Bowles had a great game plan last Thursday in Dallas, both incorporating Jalon Daniels at quarterback and on defense against CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Of course, he almost missed a sure victory when he decided to avoid a basket that would have put him up three scores. The Steelers defense will throw to Daniels more than the Cowboys.
LOS ANGELES RAMS (-12.5) vs. Arizona Cardinals
Sitting at 2-3 but largely healthy, Matthew Stafford and the Rams need a good game, and this could be a great spot for one. Arizona has allowed 31, 36, 36 and 45 points, respectively, in its last four games.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (-8.5) vs. Los Angeles Chargers
While the Chiefs are coming off a bye, the Chargers are 0-5 and list 11 of their 22 starters as questionable or worse. It’s never fun scoring big points with KC, but this seems like the safest option here at Arrowhead against the Jim Harbaugh-Justin Herbert disaster.
Buffalo Bills (-4.5) vs. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
This gap has decreased slightly compared to the six points at the start of the week. It’s hard to imagine how a Raiders defense that has given up more points each subsequent week (13, 14, 27, 30, 45) is going to stop Josh Allen, especially when he runs. The higher the score increases, the less valuable the spread becomes.
Dallas Cowboys (+1.5) against the GREEN BAY PACKERS
The Packers have won two in a row and the Cowboys are coming off a loss, but this looks like evenly matched teams that will be up and down throughout the season. Green Bay beat backup QBs Jalon Daniels and Tyson Bagent, but Dak Prescott will provide more of a test.
MONDAY
Washington Commanders (+7.5) over SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Dan Quinn is good at pulling off sure wins (Super Bowl LI, last week against the Giants), but his team is more than a touchdown underdog here thanks in large part to Jayden Daniels’ running ability. The Niners might be a little fat and happy at 5-0 and are suffering at the wide receiver position.
Best Bets: Giants, Ravens, Rams.
Lock of the week: Giants (Locks 3-2 in 2026).
Last week: 7-8 overall, 1-2 best bets.
THURSDAY: Seahawks (left).
Why trust New York Post betting
Dave Blezow is one of the longest-tenured NFL handicappers at the Post with picks dating back to 1994. He has won the Post’s NFL betting rankings in 2021 and the playoffs most recently in 2023.
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