MetLife Stadium played host to a fierce NFC East battle as the New York Giants locked horns with the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. When the dust settled, it was the home side standing tall, delivering a 28–20 victory to start their campaign on the right note.
The pre-match betting boards had the Dallas Cowboys installed as favourites at 1.65 in the head-to-head market, while the New York Giants sat as the outsiders at 2.25. Punters looking at the line had the Giants catching 2.5 points at 1.95, while the total points line was set at 47.5. In the end, the Giants tore up the script, proving that pre-match favouritism counts for little once the first whistle blows.
Breaking down the action
The New York Giants entered this clash following a solid run of overall form, though they had plenty to prove against a dangerous divisional rival. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys made the trip looking to stamp their authority early in the season.
As the game unfolded, the Giants' offence found ways to penetrate, ultimately putting up 28 points on the board. The defence held firm when it mattered most, restricting the Cowboys to 20 points and securing an 8-point winning margin that safely covered both the head-to-head and the line for those who backed the home side.
How the tips went
We called for value with the home side, and the market miscalculation paid off in style. Here is how our published tips landed in Week 1.
Head to Head: New York Giants (Selection: New York Giants @ 2.25) — WIN. The Giants defied their underdog status, overturning the 1.65 quote on the Cowboys to secure a 28–20 victory.
Line: New York Giants +2.5 (Selection: New York Giants +2.5 @ 1.95) — WIN. Taking the points with the home side proved to be a comfortable play as the Giants won the match outright by 8 points.