With Daniel Jones Starting Over Eli Manning, Giants Only 1.5-Point Underdogs vs Redskins in Week 16

• Daniel Jones will get the start at quarterback for the New York Giants on Sunday against the Washington Redskins
• Eli Manning returns to the bench after starting two games while Jones nursed an ankle injury
• The Giants are 1.5-point road underdogs to the Redskins. Washington opened as the 3-point chalk

The sportsbooks are of the belief that the New York Giants are offered a better chance of keeping up with the Washington Redskins when Daniel Jones is under center.

The Giants announced earlier this week that rookie and 2019 first-round draft pick Jones would return to replace Eli Manning after missing two games due to an ankle injury.  A line that opened with Washington as three-point favorites moved to Redskins -1.5.

New York Giants vs Washington Redskins Odds

Odds taken Dec. 20

In his first career NFL start, Jones beat the Redskins 24-3.

Jones vs Manning

The benching of Manning almost certainly means that his 16-season career with the Giants is two weeks from its conclusion. The contract of the two-time Super Bowl winner is up at the end of the season.

In what figures to be his final start, Manning beat the Miami Dolphins 36-20. That ended a franchise record-tying nine-game losing streak for New York’s football Giants. It was Manning’s first win of the season.

Daniel Jones confirmed to start Week 16

— New York Giants (@Giants) December 20, 2019

He was 1-3 as a starter. Jones relieved Manning against Tampa Bay in Week 3 and beat the Buccaneers 32-31.

In 11 games – 10 of them as the starter – Jones is 2-8. He’s completed 61.6-percent of his passing attempts for 2,374 yards and shows an 18-11 TD/interception ratio. But his passer rating is only 84.0. That’s behind even Chicago’s Mitch Trubisky (84.2). And he’s lost 10 fumbles.

Manning’s passer rating this season is 82.6. He’s completed 61.9-percent of his passes for 1,042 yards. But Manning’s TD/INT ratio is a dismal 6/5.

Jones vs Haskins

In that home win over the Redskins earlier this season, Jones completed 23-of-31 passes for 225 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. But his opposite number that day under center for Washington, at least to begin the game, was journeyman veteran Case Keenum.

In that game, Keenum gave way to Washington’s own rookie 2019 first-round draftee Dwayne Haskins, who made his first NFL appearance. The Giants intercepted Haskins three times in his debut game.

Haskins assumed the starting role for the Redskins in Week 9, a 24-9 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Dwayne Haskins from his first 3 starts and last 3 starts and where that ranks in the NFL (out of 32):

First 3:
– Passing grade: 63.6 (21st)
– Passing grade from a clean pocket: 67.9 (21st)

Last 3:
– Passing grade: 73.6 (8th)
– Passing grade from a clean pocket: 81.6 (11th)

— Nick Akridge (@PFF_NickAkridge) December 20, 2019

Overall this season, Haskins owns a 2-4 record. He posted back-to-back wins over the Detroit Lions (19-16) and Carolina Panthers (29-21), two NFL teams that are in free fall.

The comparables suggest that Jones has proven to be the better QB this season. Haskins has completed just 56.7-percent of his passes this season for 1,232 yards. His TD/INT ratio is 5-7 and his passer rating 70.2. But there are indications that Haskins is finding his footing in the NFL.

Ohio State connection: Dwayne Haskins 75-yard TD to Terry McLaurin

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/m1N2qc6V2a

— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) December 15, 2019

In his most recent start, a 37-27 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Haskins turned in his best performance as an NFLer. He completed 19-of-28 passes for 261 yards, two TDs and a passer rating of 121.3. Haskins has been picked off just once in his last three games.

Will Jones Be Rusty?

Where this line heads might have a lot to do with the belief among bettors that Jones is 100-percent healthy. If there’s any suggestion that he’s not at full strength, or he’s at all rusty from the layoff, the line should move toward the Redskins.

Took a look at how Daniel Jones compared to other first-round QBs from last four drafts in their first 10 career starts. More TD passes and better QBR than Darnold, Josh Allen, Goff and Wentz. More turnover than … anybody. https://t.co/mYM3FDQhD9 pic.twitter.com/MsQI3EC083

— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) December 20, 2019

The Giants are 11-3 against the spread in their last 14 road games. Washington is 3-1 ATS in its last four games.

It’s doubtful the line will grow for the Giants. Based on recent performances, Washington should win and cover.