Patriots vs Giants Odds, Spread, Lines, and Picks for Week 3 of NFL Preseason

• The Patriots and Giants wrap up a week of joint practices with their annual preseason clash
• NFL Network will carry the 6:00pm EST kick-off from MetLife Stadium live
• See the updated odds and prediction for the teams’ 2021 NFL preseason finale

While the NFL preseason typically prides itself on unpredictability, there’s one thing that’s a constant. The New England Patriots and New York Giants will play in the final week of the NFL preseason.

The last time these two didn’t meet up in the final week was 2004.

But things are a bit different now. Not only is the preseason down to three weeks, but the Patriots are in the last stretch of a QB battle. Typically seeing the Pats’ starting offense for a prolonged period in this game was a rarity. On Sunday at 6:00 pm EST from MetLife Stadium though, it’s almost a certainty the Pats’ Week 1 QB will see at least a few series.

Patriots vs Giants Odds

Odds as of August 28th at DraftKings

Not surprisingly, the Patriots come into Week 3 as -3.5 point favorites. The spread is an optimistic 35.5 points. New England has had no problem putting up points in the preseason, scoring 22 points in Week 1 and 35 in Week 2.

The Giants have scored 20 points total.

Patriots QB Competition Comes to a Head

While the specter of Mac Jones emerging as New England’s QB1 was present throughout August, the fervor hit an all time high this week.

It began after the Week 2 game when Cam Newton traveled to a ‘club approved medical appointment’. While he underwent Covid testing while he was away from the team, it didn’t fall within NFL guidelines. So Newton was away from the Patriots for five additional days.

That included three practices, and the first of two joint sessions with the Giants.

It was in that session where Jones put on a show.

Very efficient day for Mac Jones today. He went 21-for-24 in 11-on-11s and 8-for-8 in 7-on-7s.

He had to eat one in 7-on-7s. Nearly threw a pick in 11-on-11s. Took a sack and a delay of game penalty. Still, with all the work, he was the best quarterback on the field today.

— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) August 25, 2021

That set up a pivotal head-to-head on Thursday. With Newton returning, all eyes were on how reps would be allocated. And while both Newton and Jones received runs with the first team offense, Jones ended up stumbling a bit.

But even with his struggles on Thursday included, Jones arguably enters Sunday neck-and-neck with Newton for the starting job.

Final numbers through 19 camp practices:

Cam Newton: 135 of 210 (64.3%), 8 INT
Adjusted accuracy rate (9 drops): 68.6%
INT rate: 3.8%

Mac Jones: 243 of 351 (69.2%), 6 INT
Adjusted accuracy rate (17 drops): 74.1%
INT rate: 1.7%

— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 26, 2021

So how have the two done in live action through two games?

Newton vs Jones: 2021 Preseason

By all accounts, Cam has been fine. But Jones has impressed with his ability to get himself in and out of plays at the line of scrimmage and set protections. Most feel that he is the most advanced rookie QB to come through Bill Belichick’s doors in recent memory.

All of this is to say that it wouldn’t be surprising to see New England keep the first team offense out there for multiple drives on Sunday. Both QBs will likely get a chance to win the job.

Pats’ Plans Spell Trouble for Giants’ Defense

With New England likely showing their hand on offense, it will be the biggest challenge the Giants’ defense faces this preseason.

Now it’s important to keep in mind that New York has largely rested their first string offense and defense so far. But by that same token, Mike White and James Morgan combined to go 18-for-28 for 172 yards in Week 1. Kyle Lauletta and Case Keenum threw for 226 yards to go along with a touchdown and an interception last week.

None of those are a starting caliber NFL quarterback or a first round pick. And outside of a few snaps, none of those four had firmly established NFL weapons.

Giants starters will play a "minimum" of one half Sunday vs. New England, per Joe Judge. RB Saquon Barkley (knee) and TE Kyle Rudolph (foot) will not play as they continue to ramp-up.

— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) August 27, 2021

Joe Judge has confirmed that he’ll send his healthy starters out on both sides of the ball on Sunday. Joint practices were a mixed bag for the Giants’ defense. They were sluggish on Wednesday and eyeing redemption on Thursday.

But the Pats haven’t been shy about trying to ramp up their offense this preseason. Which gives them the advantage.

Patriots Eye Perfect Preseason

Following wins over Washington and the Eagles, the Patriots should wrap up their tour of the NFC East with a win on Sunday. If they roll out their full defense, Daniel Jones will be in for a long half without Saquon Barkley, Kyle Rudolph, or Kenny Golladay.

Based on their previous performances, the under is an attractive play with this Giants team. But without knowing how many series both Newton and Jones get with the first team offense, New England could push past the number on their own or fall short.

Either way, back Belichick on this one.

The Pick: Patriots -3.5 (-105)

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