NFL Cincinnati at N.Y. Giants – Sunday Night Football Free Pick

So, five weeks into the season, the 2-3 New York Giants have a better record than the 1-4 Cincinnati Bengals. Go figure, but such is the case when these teams meet in the Meadowlands Sunday evening.

If there’s a more disappointing team than the Cincinnati Bengals, it’s difficult to find. Cincinnati fell to the Baltimore Ravens at home, 41-38, in overtime last Sunday, torching a 10-point final-quarter lead. In a game where offense put it together (Joe Burrow’s five touchdown passes), defense didn’t oblige. 

Baltimore shredded the Bengals to the tune of 520 yards.

Conversely, New York returns home off a seven-sack, 29-20 win over the Seahawks in Seattle, salting away the game with a blocked field goal/touchdown. Both of the Giants’ wins have been on the road (Cleveland was the other). New York is 0-2 in New Jersey, having failed to score a touchdown in either (Minnesota and Dallas) losing effort.

Cincinnati is a 3½-point road favorite (total at 48), according to NFL odds. 

Just the 12th meeting between the teams since the merger (first since 2020), Cincy leading, 6-5. 

Coaches Not Allowed

Having surrendered 41 points (and those ghastly 520 yards) in a home loss to a divisional rival last week, it was time to have a Cincinnati Bengal players-only meeting of the defense. 

Led by cornerback Mike Hilton, the unit was not pleased.

Hilton voiced his frustration to the media at Wednesday’s practice. “I know we’ve been playing like s— for real, honestly,” Hilton said of the defense. “We know we have to turn around for us to have a chance to make this run, but that’s the thing about this game. You all have another opportunity to go out there and prove yourself.”

Here’s the thing about the Bengals. They’ve been slow starters (1-3 in 2023, 0-2 in ‘22) in recent seasons but turned it around. It’s not the easiest way to do business, but the blueprint is there.

Board is suggesting Cincy won’t see the postseason this season (-165/+135), as per NFL playoff specials,

Quarterback Joe Burrow (1,370 passing yards, league-leading 12 touchdowns, two interceptions) has been picked in each of his last two games. 

Big Blue Cross

Good news is the New York Football Giants lead the league with 22 sacks. 

The bad news is the New York Football Giants have injuries on both sides of the ball.

It lost second-season linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (injured wrist), subsequent surgery keeping him sidelined at least a few weeks. 

Rookie wideout Mailk Nabers (league-leading 35 receptions, 386 yards, three touchdowns) did not play against Seattle, remaining in concussion protocol. He’s unknown as far as Sunday.

Running back Devin Singletary (221 yards, two touchdowns) also missed the last game (injured groin), but may return against the Bengals.

Quarterback Daniel Jones (1,138 passing yards, six touchdowns, three interceptions) threw a pair of touchdown passes last week.  

Take The G-Men

A team meeting only goes so far with a defense allowing 29 points, more than 365 yards/game.

Cincy misses too many tackles (six per game, at least according to those who keep track of such things). Perhaps the Bengals, who don’t see Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes or Jayden Daniels this time around, find the Giants’ Daniel Jones to be easier. 

Jones did play his best game of the season last week, even without the concussed Malik Nabers. New York is mediocre at best on offense (17.8 points, 321 yards/game), with zero success (and touchdowns) at home this season.

It’s difficult to lay points on the road with a defense as porous as what the Bengals bring to East Rutherford. Take the Giants +3½ Sunday evening. Bet it now at BetUS.com