Giants at Redskins: Game preview, odds, prediction

Week 17’s game between the Washington Redskins and New York Giants will have playoff implications. Here’s the updated odds and predictions. 

Even though the New York Giants have already clinched a playoff spot, Week 17 will be quite meaningful for them. At 4:25 p.m. ET on New Year’s Day, they will visit the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field and they will have the unique opportunity to be personally responsible for their rival not making the playoffs. With a loss, the Skins’ playoff chances will be non-existent barring a Green Bay Packers loss and a Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss or tie.

The Giants have had a very dominant defense this season. They allow merely 18.3 points per game, the third fewest in the NFL. However, their secondary has been prone to allowing a lot of passing yards, as their 251.5 passing yards allowed per game ranks 21st in the league. That could be a significant problem against Washington’s passing attack led by Kirk Cousins. They rank second in the NFL with 300.8 passing yards per game.

New York’s offense could have its way with Washington’s relatively weak defense though. Despite locking up a playoff spot early, don’t be surprised if the Giants come out ready to win in Week 17.

Odds

Spread: Washington (-5)
Moneyline: Redskins (-222) Giants (+184)
Over/under: 44

According to Oddsshark.com, Washington is favored to win at home by five points. The over under is set at a surprisingly low 44. Even with the Giants defense, the game should be a high scoring game. Against the spread, New York is 7-3 over their last 10 games while Washington is 10-3 over their last 13 games. However, over their last six road games, the Giants are 2-4 against the spread. Meanwhile, Washington is 4-1 against the spread in their last five home games.

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Prediction

The Redskins have more to play for than the Giants. That said, expect a great game.

Washington 38 New York 31