New York Giants vs. Washington Football Team Thursday Night Football Betting Preview

The second week of the 2021 NFL season kicks off on Thursday Night Football when the New York Giants square off with the Washington Football Team. This game will give both NFC East squads a chance to get their first win of the season. And it will also be a chance to see former Ohio State standout Chase Young and the Washington pass rush attempt to put pressure on Daniel Jones and the Giants.

New York Giants

After an offseason of accumulating talent to help Daniel Jones in New York, the Giants’ offense could not get into gear against the Denver Broncos in Week 1. In their 27-13 loss to Denver, the Giants scored just one touchdown prior to garbage time, as their second touchdown came with zeroes on the clock and the game already decided. Against Washington, there is the potential for their offense to struggle once again.

If the Giants are going to win in Week 2, they are going to need more from their running game. The Giants averaged three yards per carry in their season-opening loss, a number that gets even worse when you take Daniel Jones’ scrambles out of the equation. Saquon Barkley was thoroughly disappointing for the Giants, and they will need more out of him and the offensive line to avoid an 0-2 start.

Washington Football Team

The Washington Football Team also lost its season opener, falling to the Los Angeles Chargers at home in Week 1. They suffered an injury at the quarterback position that didn’t help their cause, as Ryan Fitzpatrick went down in the first half and is expected to miss another 6-8 weeks. But the Football Team will try and get in the win column this week with Taylor Heinicke at quarterback, in an important home game for Washington.

For Washington to get their first win of the season, Chase Young will need to be more impactful in their pass rush. The Ohio State product was involved in three tackles in Week 1, but did not sack Justin Herbert in a game where Washington could have used a big play from him. If Young can get to Daniel Jones, Jones’ ball security issues could come to light to the benefit of the Washington Football Team.

Keys to the Game

The biggest key to this game is going to be avoiding turnovers. Washington gave their Week 1 game away when Antonio Gibson fumbled deep in Washington’s own territory, setting up a Chargers touchdown. And Daniel Jones’ ball security issues are well documented, which means that the team that holds onto the ball will have the best chance to come out on top here.

Also important will be preventing the other side from converting on third down plays in this contest. The Washington Football Team allowed the Chargers to convert a league-best 73 percent of their third downs last week, while the Giants allowed Denver to convert just under half of theirs. Both defenses will need to be better about getting off the field, as this could decide who comes out on top.