Week 2 of the NFL season will end with the Los Angeles Rams hosting the New York Giants. The Giants head into this matchup at 1-0 after taking down the Dallas Cowboys at home, 28-20, in Week 1. This was the debut of new head coach John Harbaugh. Second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart completed 23-of-29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns. As for the Rams, they looked lifeless in Week 1’s Thursday Night Football matchup in Australia. Quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 15-of-25 passes for 155 yards and an interception. Below, I’ll offer up my top three NFL Monday Night Football picks for this matchup.
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NFL Monday Night Football Picks & Predictions: Giants vs. Rams
(Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
New York Giants +6.5 (-105)
The Rams looked completely lifeless in Week 1, mustering up just seven points. They’ve had several extra days of rest, last playing on September 10th, but they’re dealing with several injuries.
It’s not looking good for wide receiver Puka Nacua. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald appears to be out another week. EDGE rusher Myles Garrett was placed on injured reserve (IR). On top of that, safety Kamren Kinchens is out, and wide receiver Jordan Whittington is unlikely to play.
In Week 1, Dart and the Giants’ offense looked great. The Dart-Malik Nabers connection looked strong, and the Giants had a respectable 11 pressures. When Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was pressured, he completed just two passes.
The Rams also primarily play Cover 3 and Cover 4. Dating back to last season, Dart has been excellent against both of those coverages, completing 71.4% of his passes for nine touchdowns and two interceptions.
This feels like far too many points for the Rams to lay, considering their Week 1 performance and injuries.
Kyren Williams Under 63.5 Rushing Yards (-114)
In Week 1, Kyren Williams ran the ball 11 times for 41 yards. On 45.5% of his 11 carries, he gained at least five yards, while 9.1% of his attempts went for zero or negative yardage. Williams handled 42.3% of the running back carries, while Blake Corum’s rush share was 38.5%. He had 10 carries and went for 54 yards. Corum ran for 10+ yards on two of his carries. He was the more efficient runner per carry.
This is worth mentioning because Javonte Williams was limited to just 12 carries for 41 yards in Week 1. Across the entire running back unit, they had just 55 yards. The Giants’ run defense was solid, and Williams is splitting carries with Corum.
I’ll pass on 63.5 rushing yards.
Isaiah Likely Anytime Touchdown Scorer (+275)
As mentioned before, Jaxson Dart has nine touchdown passes against Cover 3 and Cover 4 dating back to last season - five went to tight ends. Of course, he didn’t have Malik Nabers in his back pocket last season, but even in Week 1, Isaiah Likely saw a 27.6% target share, catching eight passes on eight targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
Dart loved throwing to Theo Johnson last season, and now, Likely is his No. 1 TE. It also helps that Likely joined the Giants alongside John Harbaugh, both former Ravens.
At +275, this touchdown prop is worth a look. Likely saw plenty of targets in Week 1, and Dart has thrown more than half of his touchdowns against the coverages the Rams primarily play to the position Likely plays.
