When I post a game of the year, I don't want to waste anyone's time.
This game almost always involves one of two teams in the NFL: the Jets or the Giants. Why? I've followed both teams my whole life, see all their games, hear all the interviews, know all the injuries, know how well they respond after big wins or losses, know their coaches and players and how they are interacting etc.
Basically I know these teams inside and out.
Speaking of basic, this is one of the basic bets you could make this year.
TAKE THE GIANTS -1.
I don't have time for an extensive write-up but these are are the games the Giants come to play for. You will not get the abomination the Giants showed you last week against the Falcons. That abomination is to your benefit. Coughlin ran them into the ground this week during practice to make sure a maximum effort is provided. Their playoff hopes depend on it.
The trends you need to know for this game?
Giants are 35-14 ATS on the road since 2006 as long as they are no favored by 3.5 or more.
Eli Manning is 26-12 ATS as an underdog since since 2007.
This game falls perfectly into those trends and the 1 point they are spotting today is essentially a ML, meaning you can only be beat by a tie (which won't happen).
As far as the Ravens go, their offense is completely out of sorts after firing Cam Cameron with three straight losses to Denver, Washington and Pittsburgh.
Folks, when you lose at home to team with Charlie Batch as their opposing QB you run for the hills when you are told you should be on them and push all-in when the opportunity for a bet like this comes up and you must bet against them.
The Giants these love road spots, still must win out as it stands to make the playoffs and Baltimore has already clinched a playoff spot so this game is of little consequence, even if they lose out. If you don't believe any of this, just look to their run last year in the playoffs and yes, this is mostly the same team.
I can't think of a better bet this year for your money to be on.
The Ravens are the more banged up team with an offense that they are still adjusting to and have less to play for in comparison to the spot the Giants are in. It's all about situational plays.
No I don't have in-depth analysis like other posters but at the end of the day, it's whether you win or lose and how much is in your bankroll. No matter how bad they have been previously, you can trust the Giants and Eli to leave it all out on the field today.
THE PLAY OF THE YEAR 2012:
GIANTS -1 over Ravens