A simple Google search provides ample results on why first impressions are nearly impossible to change. Sunday’s NFL card highlights this concept with the 5-1 New York Giants as three-point underdogs to the 2-4 Jacksonville Jaguars.
Power ratings of oddsmakers and respected bettors dictate the betting market. They calculate those ratings based on this year’s in-season results and last year’s statistics to provide an evergreen baseline.
My personal pushback is that New York has a staff that certainly seems much more competent under head coach Brian Daboll. After all, we have yet to witness a QB sneak on third-and-9 from their own 4-yard line — a play that will forever embody the Joe Judge era. I personally think we need to disregard our preconceived notions and consider the Giants only through the lens of this year’s results. I would characterize myself as a believer but doubters certainly remain.
“They have been lucky,” SuperBook head NFL oddsmaker Ed Salmons told ESPN, speaking to the Giants’ league-high five comeback wins, including three from double-digit deficits. “The Giants are what they are. Jacksonville is a better team. Look at point differential.”
The numbers you need to know
New York Giants at Jacksonville Jaguars (-3)
Sunday, 1:05 p.m. ET, TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Fla.
A team simply needs to outscore its opponent to win a game. The one-loss Giants only have a total point differential of plus-14, which is more consistent with a .500 team. However, is that a fair critique in a league known for parity? Isn’t winning hard enough and shouldn’t narrow wins signify execution and poise?
The 2-4 Jaguars have a point differential of plus-24. One could argue their numbers are skewed from manhandling the inept Indianapolis Colts and beating up the Chargers with a hobbled Justin Herbert. After all, Jacksonville still lost to Houston and Washington.
“I made [the spread] four myself but the [team of traders] talked me down,” Caesars Sportsbook vice president of…
Source : espn
