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We’ve made it, folks. That’s right, there will be NFL football on your television screen tonight.

Yeah, it’s preseason. Yeah, many of the starters in Thursday night’s New England Patriots–New York Giants matchup won’t see the field. And yeah, it’ll be ugly. But that’s loser talk. Loser talk I tell you!

Football is football, and we can make it even more fun by adding some betting action to the game. So, let’s check out the betting preview for tonight’s Patriots-Giants game and try to make some money.

Patriots vs. Giants preseason betting preview

Brian Daboll speaks to Daniel Jones.
Head coach Brian Daboll of the New York Giants talks with quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Kadarius Toney during training camp | Rich Schultz/Getty Images

Spread: Giants -2.5 (-115), Patriots +2.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Giants -150, Giants +130
Over/under: 34.5 (-110)

You don’t see the Giants as betting favorites very often nowadays, but the wagering world is a bit different in the preseason. New York is expected to play its starters for at least a few series in the first quarter, whereas Bill Belichick won’t play most of his starters in the game.

So, even though the Giants have a significantly worse roster and will be playing on the road, they’ll enter the game as short betting favorites.

The total in the game is currently set at a comically low 34.5, which has become the norm in the preseason because of the large number of backup quarterback snaps we usually see. For the Giants, that will be Tyrod Taylor and Davis Webb. On the Patriots side, we should see some Brian Hoyer and plenty of Bailey Zappe.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding who will be on the field Thursday night and how many snaps they’ll play, we still have you covered with a best bet.

Best bet for Patriots-Giants preseason game

Giants first half -1.5 (-110)

With how volatile preseason games can be, I want to cut down on the uncertainty as much as possible. The best way to do that is to eliminate 30 minutes and just bet the first half spread.

In my opinion, the Giants are the only bet to make in that regard.

It’s always smart to bet on rookie head coaches in the preseason, especially early on. Brian Daboll is going to want to make a good first impression on the fan base, and we know he’s going to play the starters at the beginning of the game.

Daniel Jones isn’t a star by any means, but he’s miles better than both Hoyer and Zappe. Give me the better roster (at least tonight) and the hungrier head coach to come out strong and build a lead by the end of the first half.

Good luck!

All betting odds courtesy of DraftKings as of 8/11.

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Staff Writer

Jack Dougherty

Writing professionally since 2015, Jack Dougherty spent six years as a sportswriter with publications such as GoPSUSports.com, the Centre Daily Times, and the Associated Press before joining Sportscasting in 2020. He covers the NBA, the NFL, and the world of golf extensively and has added expertise on any team located in or around his hometown of Philadelphia. Yes, that includes the Philadelphia Eagles, the Philadelphia 76ers, and Philadelphia Phillies.

When Jack isn’t writing about sports, he’s watching them or playing them as he regularly heads to the gym for some pickup basketball or the golf course to hit the links. He’s also an avid participant in the sports betting scene who worked at a casino sportsbook for a year and learned the ins and outs of the industry before bringing his expertise to Sportscasting with one excellent gambling recommendation after another.