The New York Giants welcome the Detroit Lions to MetLife Stadium Thursday for the 1st preseason action for both teams. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Lions vs. Giants odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
The Lions, who were among the league’s most surprising teams last season, made the NFC Championship Game, losing to the San Francisco 49ers. They didn’t have the most aggressive offseason but did add run-stuffing DT DJ Reader. In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Lions took CB Terrion Arnold from Alabama with their 1st-round pick. Expect third-string QB Hendon Hooker to get most of the snaps Thursday.
The Giants disappointed last season, but that did mean they were able to secure a top-10 pick in the draft. With that, they added one of college football’s best playmakers in LSU WR Malik Nabers with the 6th overall pick. The Giants ended last season 6-11 and finished 3rd in the NFC East. New York will again be led by QB Daniel Jones but did lose RB Saquon Barkley, who signed the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Lions at Giants odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 7:04 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Lions +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Giants -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Lions +3.5 (-110) | Giants -3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 34.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Lions at Giants picks and predictions
Prediction
Giants 21, Lions 17
Moneyline
PASS.
There’s no great value here.
The Lions (+160) as plus-money underdogs is the only play to consider, but their backup quarterbacks aren’t as trustworthy. Meanwhile, the Giants (-190) are too expensive on the moneyline.
Against the spread
TAKE GIANTS -3.5 (-110).
New York’s backups are both strong preseason options, while the Lions may give the majority of snaps to 2023 3rd-round pick Hooker. The Giants have former NFL starter QB Drew Lock and QB Tommy DeVito, who has started numerous games as well. Both should be able to captain a competent offense that has numerous playmakers.
The Lions have more high-profile talented players, but they aren’t expected to have a significant impact on this game. The Giants are 2-1 straight up at home in their last 3 postseason games. Take them to come out on top and cover here. BACK GIANTS -3.5 (-110).
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Over/Under
BET OVER 34.5 (-110).
The Giants went north of this total in all 3 preseason games last season, scoring 16 or more points in each. They tallied a combined 45 points in their 2 home preseason games as well. With DeVito and Lock vying for a backup spot to the injury-prone Jones, there should be some competitive fire for the Giants as well.
Given Hooker is still trying to find his footing in the NFL but was among college football’s most dynamic quarterbacks in 2023, expect him to be able to play at a fast pace. TAKE OVER 34.5 (-110).
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