The NFL continues its preseason with an exciting matchup in Texas. The New York Giants are set to face off against the Houston Texans this Saturday afternoon. The Giants began their preseason with a solid 14-3 win over the Detroit Lions last Thursday, successfully covering the spread as a 3.5-point favorite. Meanwhile, the Texans bounced back after an earlier loss to Chicago in the Hall of Fame Game, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-12 on the road, also covering the line as a three-point favorite. Historically, the Giants won their only preseason encounter against the Texans, a 34-17 victory during the Hall of Fame Game back on August 5, 2002.
Giants Aim for a Strong Preseason Start
The Giants displayed a commendable defensive effort against the Lions, though the absence of starters for Detroit made the victory somewhat expected. As they head to Texas, New York is aiming for a 2-0 record in the preseason. Despite a lackluster passing game, the Giants found success on the ground, rushing for 155 yards on 27 attempts. Eric Gray stood out with two touchdowns, showcasing his potential with impressive runs of 48 and one yard. Dante Miller also contributed significantly, leading the team with 63 rushing yards.
Daniel Jones is set to take the field as the starting quarterback after missing the opener due to recovery from ACL surgery. With Drew Lock sidelined due to a hip injury, Tommy DeVito will step up as the backup. Coach Brian Daboll has decided against signing an additional quarterback, designating tight end Tyrie Jackson as the emergency QB. Devin Singletary is expected to be the primary running back, although his playing time remains uncertain. The team is facing injury issues with several key players, including running backs and wide receivers, which may hinder their offensive capabilities.
Texans Poised for Home Advantage
The Texans regrouped after their Hall of Fame Game setback, securing a 20-12 win against the Steelers. With this victory, Houston aims to build momentum and improve their preseason record to 2-1. Dominating the first half against Pittsburgh, the Texans led 17-0 at halftime. They managed to secure the win despite being outgained in total offense, thanks to forcing turnovers while avoiding mistakes themselves.
C.J. Stroud made his preseason debut against the Steelers, completing two of four passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. Other quarterbacks, including Davis Mills and Case Keenum, are competing for roster spots, showcasing their skills to secure their positions. Running back Joe Mixon has yet to see action in the preseason, while Dameon Pierce has had limited opportunities. The Texans are testing various players in the backfield, as they look to solidify their depth chart ahead of the regular season.
Best Bets for Giants vs. Texans
The Giants face several injury hurdles as they prepare for this matchup. With Lock out of the lineup, questions remain about Jones’s playing time due to his recent recovery. The injuries affecting the running backs and the uncertainty surrounding two of the starting receivers create challenges for the Giants’ offensive strategy. In contrast, the Texans are riding high after their win against Pittsburgh and boast a healthier roster. Given these factors, the Texans appear well-positioned to capitalize on their home advantage and secure another victory.
