Lions vs. Giants Picks, Predictions and Odds: Expect an Abundance of Points in a Quarterback Duel

• Jared Goff has been ruled out of Thursday’s contest against the Giants

• Daniel Jones makes his return after missing most of 2023 with an injury

• Hendon Hooker, Nate Sudfeld, Drew Lock, and Tommy DeVito are all in a quarterback battle

Thursday’s matchup between the Detroit Lions and New York Giants brings us a pair of quarterback battles as Hendon Hooker, Nate Sudfeld, Drew Lock, and Tommy DeVito all look to make their case to be their team’s backup quarterback. With limited action and split snaps, expect an uptick in aggression as both offenses move the ball with ease against a pair of underwhelming secondaries.

Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants Odds 

Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook. Follow our link and claim $150 in Bonus Bets when wagering $5.

Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants Pick

• My Pick: Over 34.5 (-110) at FanDuel

With a higher sense of urgency comes an uptick in aggressiveness as every quarterback taking the field attempts to build their case to move up the depth chart. That shades value towards the over, especially when factoring in the uncertainty of both secondaries' struggles in coverage after the Giants and Lions finished below average in Def Pass DVOA last season.

Claim $150 in Bonus Bets at FanDuel

Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants Predictions 

Detroit Lions

With Jared Goff ruled out, that shifts the spotlight toward backup quarterbacks Nate Sudfeld and Hendon Hooker as both players look to strengthen their position to be the team’s backup quarterback heading into 2024. While Sudfeld has made a few brief appearances in his four year career, Thursday marks Hooker’s first start since getting drafted in the third round back in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Hooker brings plenty of intrigue as a viable dual-threat quarterback as he set the nation on fire with his elite play in his final two years at Tennessee. In 2021, Hooker finished the season with 2,945 passing yards, 31 passing touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 620 rushing yards, and another 5 rushing touchdowns. He maintained his high level of production in 2022, clocking in another 3,135 passing yards, 430 rushing yards, a combined 32 total touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.

His efficiency and ability to extend plays with his legs brings added stress to opposing defenses, especially when doing so against a group of third stringers. Defense was already an issue for the Giants throughout the 2023 season, finishing the year ranked 23rd in Def DVOA, 29th in Def Pass Success Rate, and 29th in Def Sack Rate. With their productive offseason additions in edge rusher Brian Burns and rookie safety Tyler Nubin potentially not suiting up, expect Hooker to dazzle in his first appearance with points being put up on the board in the process.

New York Giants

While the Lions roll out a mystery at quarterback, the Giants' offense gets the benefit of fielding three experienced names in Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, and Tommy DeVito. Gametime experience is a major benefit when looking to wager on the preseason, limiting the amount of variance while sustaining drives down the field.

Assuming Jones is limited to just one or two drives, the real intrigue comes when Lock and DeVito take the field as both quarterbacks are locked into a duel to cement their name as the backup quarterback. Especially after how disastrous their offense played once Jones went down last season, finishing the year ranked 30th in Off DVOA and 31st in Off EPA.

Both quarterbacks will find themselves in a favorable position to flash their skills as the Lions' defensive production from their secondary fell off a cliff as the season progressed last year. While they did make an effort in bolstering their back end in the offseason, it’s expected new additions Terrion Arnold, Carlton Davis, and Ennis Rakestraw Jr will all be held to a snap count. That leaves the Lions prone to falling back to their poor defensive play in coverage, opening the door for the Giants offense to put up points in a flash through the air.

How to Watch Lions vs. Giants

• When: Thursday, August 8th

• Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

• Where to Watch: FOX/ESPN+

Lions vs. Giants Best Promos and Sportsbooks

Check out the best sportsbooks and promos available in the U.S. for Thursday’s preseason matchup between the Detroit Lions and New York Giants.

*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.

Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants Injuries

Lions

• QB Jared Goff - Out

• DT DJ Reader - Out

• TE Sam LaPorta - Questionable

• CB Emmanuel Moseley - Out

Giants

• WR Darius Slayton - Questionable

• DE Brian Burns - Questionable

• RT Evan Neal - Out