Giants drop to 3-point favorites over Lions with Beckham status in doubt
The Giants opened as 5½-point favorites over the Lions with the expectation that star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. would play in New York’s home opener Monday night.
But, with Beckham’s status a game-time decision, the line moved to as low as New York minus-2½ on Monday at CG Technology sports book before settling at minus-3.
“The 5½ was expecting he would play and the 2½ was with the expectation that he won’t play,” CG Technology sports book director Jason Simbal said. “Receivers generally don’t mean that much to the spread. But this one does. He definitely matters.”
Despite Beckham’s uncertain status, Simbal said 64 percent of the money at CG Technology has been wagered on the Giants, including a $16,500 straight bet Monday afternoon at minus-3.
New York quarterback Eli Manning and the rest of the offense looked lost without Beckham in a season-opening 19-3 loss at Dallas. The Lions rallied for a 35-23 comeback win at home over Arizona.
“It’s a shame the Giants are wasting a good defense with a bad offense,” said Simbal, a lifelong Giants fan from New York. “Their failure to develop and scout for the offensive line are coming back to haunt them. It’s kind of the same situation as Seattle.”
New York beat Detroit 17-6 last season. The Lions are 2-6 against the spread in their last eight road games but the road team is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings between Detroit and the Giants.
The total is 41½. The under is 9-3 in the Lions’ last 12 games and 8-2 in New York’s last 10.
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Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com. Follow @tdewey33 on Twitter.
