Tag: NFL

Expert Week 6 NFL betting picks

Our NFL betting expert brings you his best Ravens vs. Giants predictions and picks for their NFL Week 6 showdown, which is live Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.

The Baltimore Ravens can thank Justin Tucker for another game-winning field goal in Week 5. This week they’ll look to tighten their grip on the AFC North lead with another win, this time against the surprising New York Giants (4-1), who are back from London with a victory over the Green Bay Packers in hand.

Giants vs. Ravens predictions

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Giants vs. Ravens picks and analysis

The Ravens (3-2) walked away with a 19-17 victory over the visiting Cincinnati Bengals last week thanks to Justin Tucker’s dead-center, 43-yard field goal as time expired. The win put them one game ahead of Cincinnati and Cleveland in their division. Now Lamar Jackson and company head to MetLife Stadium for the second time this season. The Ravens beat the Jets there 24-9 in the season opener and are 2-0 on the road this year.

Big Blue beat Aaron Rodgers and the Packers last week. The Giants haven’t had a start this strong since they opened the 2009 season 5-0, and between new coach Brian Daboll and the resurgence of Saquon Barkley, fans are believers.

Saquon Barkley
Getty Images

Giants +5.5

Call up the Guinness Book of World Records, people. We need to see if 5.5 points makes New York the largest 4-1 home underdog in NFL history.

Never mind — the Giants are, in fact, six-point underdogs at BetMGM and DraftKings as of Thursday morning. Vegas clearly favors Jackson and the Baltimore offense over Daniel Jones and the Giants, not to mention the Ravens’ defense has played solidly in the past few weeks.

But it’s still a pretty eye-opening surprise to see New York, fresh off a neutral-field victory over the Packers that legitimized them as a playoff contender in the eyes of many, be shown this disrespect.

The only other concern here is the Giants’ travel schedule. They’re back on the field this week after their trip to London — in years past, teams playing in Europe had the benefit of a bye week directly after the trip to recuperate. No doubt the Ravens have an easier week in terms of keeping their minds and bodies fresh.

Still, facing that spread, we’ll take the Giants to keep it close if not win outright. Daboll’s swagger and Barkley’s legs have helped them close out games with authority, while we haven’t forgotten Baltimore’s late-game meltdowns against Miami and Buffalo.

Our Pick: Giants to cover +5.5

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Lamar Jackson
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Under 45 total points

When Giants-Packers surpassed 41.5 total points, it was the first time since Week 16 of last season that a Giants game hit the over. They’d had five unders and one push in the time since.

New York isn’t beating teams with dynamic offense. Last week’s 27 points marked the club’s highest-scoring output of the year. Barkley is good for 100 yards a game and either he, Jones or Gary Brightwell might score a rushing touchdown from the red zone, but that’s not going to run up the score on anyone.

Though Daboll came from a pass-happy attack with Josh Allen in Buffalo, he’s working with what he has in New York. The Giants have run 30 more times than they’ve passed, and Giants players have combined for only six receiving plays of 20 yards or more. All of this is a recipe for low-scoring affairs.

The Ravens have shown they can drop 37-38 points on an opponent, but in the past two weeks they’ve averaged 19.5. Jackson’s five interceptions are tied for fourth-most in the league and are liable to kill would-be scoring drives.

Our Pick: Under 45 points scored

Highest scoring quarter: Third quarter +460

This prop is a fun change-of-pace, as it asks you to bet on which quarter will see the most points scored between the teams. Any of the four options promise a decent-to-great payout if you’re right.

The Giants are slow starters on offense. They’ve averaged just 6.6 points in the first halves of games thus far. The third quarter has been their highest-scoring quarter this year – a combined 36 points, including 13 in their Week 1 comeback against Tennessee and 10 in Week 3 against the Cowboys.

The Ravens neither start nor finish games particularly strongly. Baltimore has scored just one fourth-quarter touchdown in five games and are averaging just 3 points per fourth quarter. The middle of the game is where they’re strongest, scoring 48 combined points in second quarters and 41 total points in third quarters.

In a game like this, featuring two teams who love to run the ball, expect there to be an early feeling-out period before they really start to strike blows against one another after halftime.

Our Pick: Third quarter to be the highest-scoring quarter +460

Giants vs. Ravens odds

Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

Team Spread Money line Total Points 45
Ravens (-5.5) -110 -267 Over -110
Giants (+5.5) -110 +215 Under -110

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Underdog status for Bill Belichick

Our NFL betting expert brings you his best Browns vs. Patriots predictions and picks for their NFL Week 6 showdown, which is live Sunday on CBS at 1 p.m. ET.

After losing three of their last four games, the Cleveland Browns desperately need a win to get back on track. But they’ll be facing an uphill battle this week when the New England Patriots come to town fresh off a 29-point triumph.

Patriots vs. Browns predictions

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Patriots vs. Browns picks and analysis

For Bill Belichick, Cleveland was once home. It’s where he got his first head coaching job way back in 1991, however, quite a bit has changed over the past 31 years.

He’s guided New England to glory, while the Browns have spent the majority of the past three decades in the cellar of their division. With a lethal backfield duo and some defensive star power, hope is slowly starting to trickle back into Cleveland, though, and a win on Sunday against the franchise’s former coach can only strengthen spirits.

Rhamondre Stevenson
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Patriots +2.5

If there’s one thing Belichick has learned in all his years of coaching, it’s how to limit the strongest facet of an opposing team’s offense.

The rushing attack is the most potent element of the Browns’ unit, so expect Belichick and the Patriots’ defense to make life as uncomfortable as possible for Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. That’ll force Cleveland to put more responsibility in quarterback Jacoby Brissett’s hands, and it’s hard to imagine he’s up for that challenge.

New England is familiar with Brissett considering it drafted him back in 2019, and while he’s been serviceable, he hasn’t necessarily been the driving force in either of the Browns’ two wins this season.

Cleveland is also 2-6 against the spread in its last eight home games, so the Patriots should be in prime position to keep it close — or even win outright — come Sunday.

Our Pick: Patriots to cover +2.5 @ -115 with Caesars Sportsbook

Under 43.5 total points

When the Patriots hit the road, you can almost guarantee they double-check their luggage to make sure they’ve packed phone chargers, toothbrushes and maybe a crossword or two to pass the time. But they always seem to forget one thing.

Points.

The total has failed to go over in 11 of New England’s last 16 road games. When the Patriots venture out of Massachusetts to play a team that’s below .500, the under becomes even more appealing, as it’s gone 14-2 in New England’s last 16 games away from home against opponents with losing records.

Nick Chubb
Getty Images

Considering the Browns are 2-3, stick with the trends here. Even if the Patriots did remember to pack the points, there’s no way they made it through airport security with them in their carry-ons.

Our Pick: Under 43.5 total points @ -110 with Caesars Sportsbook

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Amari Cooper anytime touchdown scorer +220

When Cleveland isn’t running the ball, chances are it’s looking to get the ball to Cooper through the air.

Cooper has received 43 of the team’s 155 targets this season (27.8 percent), including six in the red zone. Of those six looks, he’s caught three of them for touchdowns and is now set to face a New England defense that allows opponents to find the end zone 56.3 percent of the time they get inside the 20.

Assuming the Patriots make their primary focus containing Chubb and Hunt in the backfield, Cooper undoubtedly becomes the No. 1 option in the offense.

He’s been on the field for over 83 percent of the Browns’ plays this season, so get ready for him to carry an extended role on Sunday if Cleveland wants to have any chance of staying in the game.

Our Pick: Amari Cooper to score a touchdown at +220 with Caesars Sportsbook

Patriots vs. Browns odds

Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

Team Spread Moneyline Total Points 43.5
Patriots (+2.5) -115 +118 Over -110
Browns (-2.5) -105 -140 Under -110

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Dexter Lawrence delivering in promise to be unique Giants weapon

When he met the media at the NFL Combine in 2019, Dexter Lawrence sent a message to general managers who might be interested in drafting him. 

“I call myself a once-in-a-generation caliber player,” Lawrence said. 

Lawrence remembers exactly why he said what he said. 

“I just know with my size and athleticism and speed is rare,” he told The Post on Friday, “so I just try to take full advantage of that every day. Now it’s about learning my position continuously and growing and learning better techniques to bring that more out of me.“ 

It is Year 4 for Dexter Lawrence, and in this stunning season of New York Football Giants renaissance, he is offering evidence that he can grow into that kind of player. 

“I believe I can, yes,” Sexy Dexy told The Post. 

Center Jon Feliciano recalls being shocked in training camp when he learned that Sexy Dexy is just 24 (he will turn 25 next month). 

“He can be a force for the next decade,” Feliciano told The Post, “depending on how long he wants to do this. He can give a lot of people a lot of trouble for a very long time.” 

Dexter Lawrence
Dexter Lawrence possess a rare combination of size and speed.
USA TODAY Sports

Sexy Dexy went No. 17 overall to the Giants in the 2019 draft, a pick acquired from the Browns in the Odell Beckham Jr. trade. Outside linebacker Oshane Ximines was the third-round return. 

“We got drafted together, so I’ve seen how much he’s grown as a player and just as a human being,” Ximines told The Post. “It’s something exciting to watch every weekend, I just can’t wait to see where it all ends up at the end of the year.” 

Sexy Dexy is a 6-foot-5, 350-or-so-pound dance machine who can somehow be sideline-to-sideline hell on wheels. Nose tackles aren’t supposed to move like he does. He is made for “Dancing With the Stars.” 

“I feel like the play that sums up Dex is that play Week 2 against the Panthers, where Baker Mayfield got out of the pocket and he chased him to the sideline. … He’s 350 pounds doing that, that sums it up right there,” Ximines said. “He’s big, fast, strong. He could really do anything on the football field.” 

Can he chase down Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson on Sunday? 

“We’re gonna find out,” Ximines said, and laughed. 

“[Lamar is] a different speed,” Sexy Dexy said. “It’s a good challenge. I’m ready for it.” 

Dexter Lawrence participates in drills at Giants practice on Thursday.
Noah K. Murray-NY Post

Sexy Dexy has three sacks in his past two games. His career high is four in 2020. 

“He’s strong, he’s really athletic, I think he has a good feel for the game and feel for your body weight and when to use it against you and how to use it against you,” offensive lineman Nick Gates said. 

Bill Parcells said this the day after Super Bowl XXV: “Power wins football games.” Parcells would have loved Sexy Dexy. “Somebody close to him is Fletcher Cox,” Gates said, referencing the Eagles’ All-Pro lineman. 

Good luck against that bull rush. “I don’t think Fletcher is as big as [Lawrence] is,” Feliciano said, “but I can see what he’s talking about with the length and the power.” 

Safety Julian Love was a fourth-round pick in Sexy Dexy’s draft class. 

“He’s strong, and he is super-light on his feet,” Love said. “For him to be that light on his feet is special, and you don’t see that like really ever.” 

Love marvels at how Sexy Dexy transforms into Sexy Wrecksy on the field. 

“There’s a flip that switched for sure,” Love said. “He’s a guy who’s about his business once the pads get on.” 

On his Instagram page you see and hear him: 

“Hey 17 [Ryan Tannehill]. Stay in the pocket. I want to touch on you legally.” And: “I know you’re looking for the problem. It’s here. The problem is here.” 

Sexy Dexy says: “It kinda just flows. Whatever comes out of my mouth comes out it my mouth. It’s an in-the-moment type thing.” 

“The problem” stands defiantly alongside pal Leonard Williams … the Great Wall of East Rutherford. 

Dexter Lawrence
Bill Kostroun/New York Post

“His arms are super long,” Feliciano said, “so when he sticks his arm in there, you gotta get your hands on him first, but it’s kind of hard when you have a guy with that long arms, and for a big guy, you don’t think he’s that quick. … He’s really quick. … His first two steps are impressive.” 

Lawrence’s steps toward stardom will earn him a big-ticket extension. The Giants exercised the fifth-year option on Sexy Dexy in April. 

“I just play football,” he said. 

If he one day down the road is again calling himself a once-in-a-generation caliber-type player, bet that it will be as a Giant … a giant Giant.

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Tom Brady hit with $11,000 fine for kicking Falcons’ Grady Jarrett

Tom Brady is being fined for allegedly trying to kick Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett during Tampa Bay’s 21-15 win over Atlanta on Sunday.

CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones confirmed an ESPN report that the NFL is hitting Brady with a $11,139 fine for the kick, the price for a first offense. If he does it again, Brady will be fined another $16,444.

The kick in question came on the same play of the week’s most controversial call. Jarrett sacked Brady but was flagged for roughing the passer, a call that gave the Buccaneers a new set of downs and allowed them to run out the clock to preserve the victory.

The kick by Brady after the play was the second of the day for the QB. The other came in the first quarter, although Brady is not being fined for it.

Grady Jarrett (97) of the Atlanta Falcons sacks Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter Sunday in Tampa.
Getty Images
Tom Brady was fined more than $11,000 for kicking the Falcons’ Grady Jarrett on Sunday.
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Kicking opponents isn’t anything new for Brady. The last time he was fined was for kicking Ravens safety Ed Reed during the AFC Championship. That cost him $10,000.

The fine of course is barely a blip for Brady, who has made over $330 million throughout his 23 seasons in the NFL.

Next up for Brady and the Buccaneers are the Steelers on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.



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Troy Aikman responds to ‘take the dresses off’ controversy

Troy Aikman feels regretful over a controversial comment he made during the Chiefs-Raiders game on “Monday Night Football” this week in which he said he hopes the NFL “take[s] the dresses off” after another contentious roughing the passer call.

During a radio appearance on 96.7 “The Ticket” on Thursday, Aikman called his remarks “dumb” when one of the hosts noted that there was “some reaction” to his “strong” comments.

“My comments were dumb, just shouldn’t have made them,” Aikman said. “Just dumb remarks on my part.”

Aikman, 55, came under fire Monday while discussing a questionable roughing the passer call in the first half after Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones hit Raiders quarterback Derek Carr from behind.

“My hope is the competition committee looks at this in the next set of meetings and, you know, we take the dresses off,” Aikman said on the broadcast during the game. The Chiefs went on to win the AFC West matchup, 30-29.

ESPN’s Troy Aikman on the field before the Giants-Cowboys “Monday Night Football” game on Sept. 26, 2022.
Bill Kostroun

The Cowboys legend received public criticism on social media, with some calling his comment “sexist.”

ESPN has not issued a statement about Aikman’s comments.

Aikman, along with his broadcast partner Joe Buck, left Fox Sports for ESPN during the offseason. Aikman’s five-year contract is worth in the $90 million range, The Post’s Andrew Marchand has reported. The duo called NFL games on Fox together for 20 years, which included six Super Bowls.

Troy Aikman looks on wearing his gold jacket during the Pro Football HOF Centennial Class of 2020 enshrinement ceremonies on Aug. 7, 2021 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, in Canton, OH.
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Troy Aikman attends the 2022 ABC Disney Upfront at Basketball City – Pier 36 – South Street on May 17, 2022 in New York City.
WireImage

Aikman and Buck will be back in the “Monday Night Football” booth next week when the Broncos visit the Chargers in Los Angeles.



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Picks, odds for every game

Just when it looked as if the Giants’ choices for starting quarterback Sunday against the Packers in London were down to Davis Webb and Prince Harry, Big Blue got some good news when Daniel Jones’ sprained left ankle showed improvement at practice Wednesday.

That development makes it a far more palatable option to take the Giants +8 points against Green Bay. Aaron Rodgers and his receivers are still not quite in sync, the short week won’t help them get there, and on the other side of the ball, the game appears to shape up similarly to the Packers’ matchup last week against the Patriots at Lambeau Field. Piloted by third-string QB Bailey Zappe, Bill Belichick’s team put on a good offensive showing win a 27-24 overtime loss.

The Packers knew the Patriots were going try to run the ball, and still New England pounded out 167 rushing yards. The presence of Jones should at least make Green Bay think twice about attacking Saquon Barkley (113 yards per game) with eight-man boxes, and I also have confidence Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka will have some creative answers if the Packers pursue Barkley too aggressively.

In terms of a betting situation, the Giants are also back in their happy place (or, this one being in England, their jolly place) as they are 22-12-2 ATS in road and neutral-site games since the beginning of the 2018 season.

Giants vs. Packers pick: Giants +8.

Daniel Jones
Getty Images

NEW YORK JETS (+3) over Miami Dolphins

A few weeks ago, ahead of the Bengals game, we detailed here that the Jets are winless after each of their rare victories in the short Robert Saleh era. Let’s not get into all of the gory details again other than to point out that the record in those spots is now 0-5 SU, 1-4 ATS after the loss to Cincinnati.

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So what has changed in two weeks? Well for one thing, the Jets’ starting quarterback, Zach Wilson, is back, while the opposition will be using its backup, Teddy Bridgewater. And the defense is finally starting to take shape, with Quinnen Williams looking like a beast and the secondary coming off four interceptions in Pittsburgh.

Miami WR Jaylen Waddle didn’t practice Wednesday and was limited Thursday. His absence, or at least diminished status, would enable the Jets to use their best resources on Tyreek Hill while Williams, Carl Lawson and Jermaine Johnson go after Bridgewater.

Pittsburgh Steelers (+14) over BUFFALO BILLS

Don’t know if this is a classic sandwich game for Buffalo, but for some reason I’m craving a beef on weck. Bills had tough battles with the Dolphins and Ravens, and next week go to Arrowhead to face the Chiefs. Will take the big head start with Kenny Pickett, who can do more with the Steelers’ offense than Mitch Trubisky did.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (-9.5) over Atlanta Falcons

It’s the third road game in the past four weeks for Atlanta, but this is more just a feeling that the Bucs, injuries and all, are going to be geared up for a no-doubter coming off back-to-back losses to the Packers and Chiefs.

Tennessee Titans (-1.5) over WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Tennessee picked up a big victory last week in Indianapolis, so the edge in need belongs to Washington after three losses in a row. Injuries to Treylon Burks (Titans) and Jahan Dotson (Commanders) could be a wash, but I just feel as if I’m getting the better team at a very cheap price.

Derrick Henry
AP

CLEVELAND BROWNS (+2.5) over Los Angeles Chargers

This is a good time to salute Paul Schwartz for his incredible 14-1-1 ATS master class in last week’s Bettor’s Guide. His one loss was on Cleveland, and Paul is going the other way with L.A. here. But I figure Nick Chubb and the returning Myles Garrett will makes this a tough go for the Chargers.

Seattle Seahawks (+5.5) over NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Saints have a one-point win followed by three losses, a bunch of injuries, and the jet lag from last week’s trip to London to consider. Though desperation could help them snag a “W,” there’s a long way to go from there to distancing Geno Smith and the Seahawks by six or more.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (-3.5) over Detroit Lions

Did you think you’d ever see this tiny spread for a Patriots-Lions game in Foxborough? Me neither. I’m rolling with it because, after scoring 24 points with Zappe and a limited offense in Green Bay, New England should be able to do even more against this Lions D. Also a revenge game for Matt Patricia, fired two years ago by Detroit.

Houston Texans (+7) over JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

I don’t usually focus on series results, but the Texans have won eight in a row and 19 of the past 23 against the Jaguars. Jacksonville seemingly has a bit of an upper hand now, but I’m not sure I can go from these results to Jags -7 so directly.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (-7.5) over Chicago Bears

Little bit worried about laying seven plus the hook because -6.5 was available earlier. Chicago’s offense was a little less prehistoric last week as Justin Fields threw for 174 yards, but the Bears still lost by eight to the Giants. Thinking Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson get this to the neighborhood of the Vikings’ 23-7 win over the Packers in Week 1.

Kirk Cousins
USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers (-6.5) over CAROLINA PANTHERS

Long trip for the 49ers off a big Monday night rivalry win. Normally, that’s a recipe for a letdown. But this defense is insanely good, and Kyle Shanahan will find a way to generate more than the 10 points the 49ers put up in each of two road losses in September.

Dallas Cowboys (+5.5) over LOS ANGELES RAMS

Losses by 21 to the Bills and 15 to the 49ers convince me the Rams have taken a step or two down from the mountaintop. With a strong, opportunistic defense and serviceable QB Cooper Rush, the Cowboys could win this one outright.

Philadelphia Eagles (-5.5) over ARIZONA CARDINALS

Even though the last undefeated team in any given season is always living on borrowed time, the Eagles are worthy of support after their savage comeback from 14-0 down versus the Jaguars.

Cincinnati Bengals (+3.5) over BALTIMORE RAVENS

It has been a frustrating start for John Harbaugh and the Ravens, who have flushed big home leads to the Dolphins and Bills. The Bengals come in off extra rest after distancing Miami, and will have confidence off of their 41-17 and 41-21 wins over Baltimore last season.

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Monday

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (-7) over Las Vegas Raiders

The Silver and Black are coming off their first win, and many will remember their 40-32 victory at Arrowhead in 2020. But in the surrounding seasons, their visits produced beat-downs of 48-9, 40-9 and 35-3.

Best bets

Steelers, Titans, Cowboys.

Lock of the week

Steelers (Locks 3-1 in 2022.)

Last week

8-7-1 overall, 2-1 Best Bets.

Thursday

Broncos (L).

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Colts hold on after defensive stand seals win over Broncos

DENVER — Stephon Gilmore batted away Russell Wilson’s pass to Courtland Sutton in the end zone on fourth-and-1 from the 5 to give the Indianapolis Colts a 12-9 overtime victory over the Denver Broncos on Thursday night.

Gilmore also intercepted Wilson’s pass in the fourth quarter to help set up Chase McLauglin’s tying field goal.

McLauglin connected from 47 yards 4:10 into overtime to give the Colts (2-2-1) the lead in the first game in NFL history that pitted quarterbacks with at least four Pro Bowl appearances each, but it featured zero touchdowns.

The Broncos (2-3) decided against a tying chip-shot field goal by Brandon McManus, and Wilson lined up in the shotgun next to running back Melvin Gordon, then threw incomplete over the middle.

Matt Ryan grinded out the victory despite throwing two interceptions into the hands of safety Caden Sterns, fumbling for the 10th time this season and getting sacked six times, giving him 21 so far.

The Colts held on tp beat the Broncos on ‘Thursday Night Football’
AP
The Colts celebrate after their game-winning stop on defense.
AP
Russell Wilson passes during the Broncos loss to the Colts.
Getty Images

McLaughlin sent it to overtime with a 31-yarder with 5 seconds left in regulation after Gilmore intercepted Wilson’s pass to Jerry Jeudy in the end zone on third-and-4 from the 13.

That kick capped the Colts’ longest drive of the night, 68 yards in 10 plays.

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Giants’ Sterling Shepard not about to retire: ‘I’m a fighter’

Sterling Shepard, on Wednesday speaking publicly for the first time since he tore the ACL in his left knee with 1:11 remaining in the Giants’ Monday night loss to the Cowboys on Sept. 26, vowed to return to the field.

“Dang right,’’ the 29-year-old receiver said. “I’m a fighter. I want to go out on my own terms. I don’t want something like this to make me go out. So, I’m going to fight to get my body back to where I can perform and get this thing good.

“There is a grieving period and you have a lot of stuff flying through your head, but when you get time to settle down and what you really want, the next day it hit me. I was like, ‘You know what? I’m not going to let this get me down. I’m going to fight through it. I’ve done it once; I can do it again.’ ’’

Shepard, the longest-tenured player on the Giants, missed last year with a ruptured Achilles and made it all the way back to play only to lose yet another season.

“Obviously, just coming off my Achilles and having to deal with the ACL is no fun,’’ Shepard said. “But I just try to come in with a positive attitude. I feel like that helps the recovery process. You take a day of grieving, and it’s time to move forward.’’

Sterling Shepard, who suffered a season-ending left knee injury in Week 3, watches the action during the Giants’ Wee 4 win over the Bears.
Corey Sipkin

Shepard revealed that he believes he tore the ACL a couple plays before he fell to the turf simply jogging away from the play.

“It was really weird,’’ he said. “I think I actually partially tore it probably like two plays before that. I think I partially tore it. I kind of got up, and my knee did something funny. I was just like, ‘Forget about it,’ and keep on pushing.

“The next play actually got blown dead, which in hindsight I’m kind of happy about because I was about to have to stick off my left and hard cut. And the next play I was literally just jogging. It just slid on me and popped.’’

When Shepard, whose contract is up at the end of this season after seven seasons with the Giants, was asked if he wonders whether he’ll be playing somewhere else in 2023, he said: “I’ll let that take care of itself. All I can do is focus on every day that I have and each day coming up. So, that’s what I’m going to focus on — just putting one foot in front of the other and focusing on the small wins right now. So, I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself.’’

He said, though, that he obviously feels an allegiance to the Giants.

“They didn’t have to give me another shot to come back off that Achilles, and they did,’’ he said. “And I can’t thank this staff and ownership enough for the opportunities that they’ve given me. I feel like I owe so much to them. I want to give them my all. I don’t want to go out like this. I’m going to fight. I’m a fighter. So, that’s what I’m going to do.’’

The following Giants players didn’t practice Wednesday: QB Tyrod Taylor (concussion), WR Kenny Golladay (knee), LB Azeez Ojulari (calf), DB Cor’Dale Flott (calf), WR Richie James (ankle), DB Julian Love (concussion) and DL Henry Mondeaux (ankle).

The following players practiced on a limited basis: QB Daniel Jones (ankle), DL Leonard Williams (knee), WR Kadarius Toney (hamstring), G Evan Neal (neck), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee), DB Fabian Moreau (foot) and DB Nick McCloud (hamstring).

Coach Brian Daboll said Toney, who the Giants need on the field for his big-play ability, “is making progress.’’

Daboll called having to face Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers “challenging.’’

“He’s one of the best to ever do it,’’ Daboll said. “He’s fun to watch when you’re not getting ready to play him. I’ll be watching their offense and naturally you’re just watching [number] 12 and the things he does, how he moves people, the accuracy, off-schedule plays, and checks and things he does.

“He’s as good as it gets and he’s a hard quarterback to defend. He’s impressive.’’

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Odds and expert NFL pick today

Our NFL betting expert offers his best betting picks and predictions for the matchup between the Broncos and Raiders scheduled for Sunday in Las Vegas at 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS.

The Raiders are the only 0-3 team in the NFL, and patience is wearing thin as they face the Broncos (2-1), who are offensively challenged despite the acquisition of Russell Wilson.

Broncos vs. Raiders predictions

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Broncos vs. Raiders picks and analysis

Denver is averaging just 14.3 points per game as new coach Nathaniel Hackett’s system isn’t cranking, while Josh McDaniels of the Raiders already is under scrutiny for the team’s poor start.

Broncos +2.5

The old catchphrase doesn’t sound so endearing when the victory column remains empty heading into October. McDaniels, the former offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, was summoned for a closed-door meeting with owner Mark Davis immediately after last Sunday’s 24-22 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

Russell Wilson
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That the owner couldn’t wait until the next day speaks volumes about the frustration level in the organization. Receiver Davante Adams, acquired from the Green Bay Packers in the offseason, also said, “just because we’re good on paper doesn’t mean we’re going to be great as a team.”

So there’s a lot to weigh when it comes to the Raiders playing one of their most hated rivals. Is Derek Carr (850 passing yards) and Las Vegas about to break out of its doldrums with a stellar performance or are the Raiders destined to continue their underachieving nature?

Las Vegas has just two sacks as a team — both by defensive end Maxx Crosby — which means Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson may operate without pressure most of the day. So let’s take the Broncos and those points until the Raiders can prove they can beat an NFL team.

Our Pick: Broncos to cover +2.5 spread

Under 45.5 total points

Wilson is getting adjusted to Hackett’s system, and the club has scored 16 and 11 points in its two victories. The offense needs to pick up fast before that kind of output becomes lost.

Wilson has passed for just two touchdowns (with one interception) as the defense has bailed the offense out. Denver ranks 31st in scoring (14.3) but ranks second in scoring defense (12.0), with Wilson vocalizing that the defense is carrying the team.

Davante Adams
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Wilson passed for 184 yards in last Sunday’s win over the San Francisco 49ers in the second-ever 11-10 final score in NFL history. Melvin Gordon’s 1-yard run with 4:10 left was Denver’s lone touchdown.

It may take more time for Wilson to get moving, but the shaky Las Vegas ranks 24th in scoring defense (25.7) and 26th in passing defense (267.0).

Still, Denver is having trouble scoring, so we feel this contest will go under the projection.

Our Pick: Under 45.5 total points

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Davante Adams over 76.5 receiving yards

Adams’ reunion with former Fresno State teammate Carr looked like it would be filled with happy times after he caught 10 passes for 141 yards in his Las Vegas debut. But the last two games have seen him catch 12 and 36 yards worth of passes — not what you expect from someone with a $141 million contract.

Adams has an over/under of 76.5 yards, which seems like something he can reach. Denver is middling (18th at 230.3 yards per game) in pass defense, but the inability of Carr to get Adams the ball in back-to-back weeks is definitely concerning.

Our Pick: Davante Adams over 76.5 yards

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Odds, picks for London game

Our NFL betting expert brings you his best Vikings vs Saints predictions and picks for their NFL week 4 match-up, which is live Sunday on NFL Network at 9:30 a.m. ET.

The Vikings (2-1) overcame deficits of 14 points in the first quarter and 10 points in the fourth quarter to defeat Detroit 28-24 last week.

The Saints (1-2) lost their second consecutive game when they fell behind Carolina 7-0 in the first quarter and never caught up in a 22-14 loss last week.

Vikings vs Saints predictions

  • Vikings to cover -3 @ -110 at BetMGM
  • Saints under 20.5 points @ +115 at BetMGM
  • Under 43.5 total points @ +130 at BetMGM

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Vikings vs Saints picks and analysis

The Vikings’ offense has been somewhat inconsistent, especially with Dalvin Cook (shoulder) ailing. But they are clicking better than the Saints’ offense, which has been plagued by turnovers, penalties and injuries. New Orleans banks on defense, keeping it in the game, but producing points is another matter.

Vikings -3

Comparable personnel might imply an even matchup, but the Vikings have an important advantage in that they generally have made the plays necessary to win. They showed that last week in their comebacks against the Lions.

The Saints have been making way too many mistakes. They’re last in the NFL in committing turnovers, something that has contributed significantly to their two losses, and they are among the most-penalized teams in the NFL.

The Vikings will make fewer mistakes and be fresh after a later-than-usual arrival to London.

Our Pick: Vikings to cover -3 @ -110 at BetMGM

Saints under 20.5 points

The Saints have generated minimal offense except when they have desperately tried to catch up in the fourth quarter. They have scored 38 of their 51 points in the fourth quarter, which produced a come-from-behind win against the Falcons but has fallen short the last two weeks.

They have been unable to establish a consistent running game and top running back Alvin Kamara is slowed by a rib injury. The pass protection has generally been poor, leaving Jameis Winston with little time to go through progressions.

The top two wide receivers – Michael Thomas (foot) and Jarvis Landry (ankle) – were injured in last week’s game, and it is uncertain whether either or both will be available this week. Rookie Chris Olave had nine catches for 147 yards last week and might have to be the go-to guy again this week.

Our Pick: Saints under 20.5 points @ -115 at BetMGM

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Andy Dalton
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Under 43.5 total points -130

The one positive for the Saints has been that the defense has mostly played well the last two weeks. That should keep them in this game – and keep the score below the number.

The Vikings offense, like the Saints offense, has done much better at producing yards than points. Running back Dalvin Cook suffered a shoulder injury last week and his status for Sunday is uncertain. Even if he’s ready to go, he won’t be 100 percent.

Riding the under this season has been a winning formula, and historically that’s even more accurate in the NFL’s London games.

Our Pick: Under 43.5 total points @ -130 at BetMGM

Vikings vs Saints odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

Team Spread  Moneyline Total Points 43.5
Vikings (-3)  -110 -110 Over   -145
Saints  U 20.5 -110 -110 Under +120 

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