Total Points: Under 45 – 20/21
We’re more used to Willie round these parts, but Nick Mullens has taken one fence with ease – the Oakland Raiders – as 49ers quarterback and could find the going good against the New York Giants tonight again.
The second-year undrafted QB galloped off with plaudits galore on debut last week, leaving many would-be shrewd fantasy managers looking like mugs when they started the Raiders defence.
But we’re not going to overreact to that game. Jon Gruden’s ripped out whatever spirit was left in the silver-and-black roster, Bruce Irvin’s release confirming what was suggested by the Khalil Mack trade – they’re looking to Vegas and forgetting about Oakland.
during their preseason game on August 9,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The Giants aren’t in much better shape, but the players should still be playing for coach Pat Shurmur. Unlike Oakland, they have some playmakers too. Landon Collins may not want a franchise tag, but there’s a reason the G-Men want to keep him around.
They have big time stars on offence too, but Eli Manning is their quarteback and his diminished talent combined with flimsy offensive line play means they don’t get the ball in good enough spots to make a difference, hence New York’s 1-7 record.
That, along with the Giants getting a handle on Frisco’s unheralded QB, should keep this game tight, so we’d look at under 44.5 in the total points market.
George Kittle Receiving Yards: Over 60.5 – 10/11
Tight ends haven’t gone wild against the Giants this season, but Kittle is having a break out year and has posted some solid numbers despite the turnover at quarterback for the 49ers.
He’s averaging just under 80 yards per game, and had 108 yards last time out along with a score. The majority of those came on a 71 yard reception, and he’s had a few similar big plays this season.
The inexperienced Mullens looks likely to rely on San Fran’s leading receiver – he has twice as many catches as their next most productive target. 60.5 yards is within his reach at 10/11.
#WhatOddsPaddy: E Manning & N Mullens each throw 2+ interceptions – 16/1
This is a cheeky one, but if we expect Mullens to come back down to earth, there’s no better way to do that than with a few picks.
Eli’s had a pair of interceptions twice this season already, most recently in their last outing against the Redskins.
The 49ers defence doesn’t have a lot of cred at the moment, but is getting better at rushing the passer, with DeForest Buckner leading the way on 5.5 sacks for the season. If they can force their way through a not a very resistant Giants line, their secondary should get chances and this is a nice price.
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*All odds correct at time of posting