Week 12 Preview: New York Giants vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The New York Giants (3-7) head to Paul Brown Stadium to take on the Cincinnati Bengals (2-7-1). By looking at the teams’ records, one would think this game doesn’t mean much. But the Giants play in the NFC (L)East. With a win today, and an Eagles loss on Monday, Big Blue would be in first place in the division.

New York Giants

After starting 1-7, the Giants have won two in a row against division opponents. Keeping Daniel Jones upright is still an issue, but the G-men have found their running game. Wayne Gallman and Alfred Morris have combined for 222 yards the past two games and Gallman has found the end zone three times. Jones has been efficient completing 71 percent of his throws (44-62) and hasn’t turned the ball over. Sterling Shepard has caught 12 of those passes and is looking more and more dependable.

On the defensive side, the Giants get two rookies back today. Linebacker Tae Crowder will be returning after a four-week absence. Second-round pick Xavier McKinney will be making his NFL debut after recovering from a fractured foot in training camp. Former first-round pick Leonard Williams has been getting to the quarterback recently. He has two sacks and nine QB hits in his past three games. Blake Martinez has been everywhere for the Giants this season tallying 96 tackles, a pick, a forced fumble, and two sacks.

Cincinnati Bengals

Without Joe Burrow or Joe Mixon this week, the Bengals might have some difficulty moving the ball. Giovani Bernard will get the start as he is back from concussion protocol. The big question is how will Brandon Allen fare against the Giants defense. He knows Zac Taylor‘s offense from his days in Denver and Los Angeles so at least there is some familiarity. Nevertheless, with the Giants playing well and getting two rookies back on defense, Allen may be in for a long day.

Defensively, this matchup isn’t a good one for the Bengals. New York has run the ball well lately and the Bengals have given up the third-most yards on the ground along with allowing five yards per carry. Cincinnati will have to get to Jones and force some turnovers to give themselves a short field. Jessie Bates III has been a ball hawk this season with three INTs and 13 passes defended. Vonn Bell leads the team in tackles with 75 and could be a huge factor in the Bengals attempting to slow the Giants’ ground game.

Game Info

Date: Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020
Start Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Stadium: Paul Brown Stadium
TV Info: FOX

Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook

Point Spread: NYG -6 (-105) | CIN +6 (-115)
Moneyline: NYG -270 | CIN +220
Over/Under: O 43.5 (-110) | U 43.5 (-110)

The Giants have played some close games this season, especially recently. Laying six points is a little tough to do here. The under seems like the way to go. The Bengals are missing their starting running back and quarterback and have scored a total of 19 points the past two games. Meanwhile, the Giants play a ball-control offense and will probably look to pound the Cincinnati defense into submission.