After picking up their second win of the season in Week 5, the New York Giants will return to MetLife Stadium in Week 6 to face the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Giants opened as a 3.5-point underdog at home earlier this week, even though the Bengals are on the road as the away team with just one win on the season.
Both teams need a win in this match. However, you could also argue that the Bengals are a little more desperate for a win, given the fact that their expectations were much higher heading into the season.
Sunday is just around the corner, and here are three reasons to be optimistic about it.
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next man up
The Giants were without Malik Nabors and Devin Singletary in a blowout loss on the other side of the country last Sunday.
With two key pieces missing, the Giants got big performances from their next members, Darius Slayton and Tyrone Tracy Jr.
If Nabers is sidelined again, the Giants’ chances of winning on Sunday night will be greatly hurt. But clearly, the Giants have proven they have confidence in their depth to step up.
The Giants will be without Kayvon Thibodeau again on Sunday. The Giants would benefit from retaining Azeez Ojulari, who was rumored to be traded before the season and will be asked to step up in Thibodeau’s absence.
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Daniel Jones may have found the deep ball
Through the first four weeks of the season, quarterback Daniel Jones struggled to make throws down the field. In Sunday’s game at Seattle, Jones seemed confident with the deep ball, hitting Darius Slayton down the field on several throws, including an impressive touchdown in the second half.
Jones has played well over the past four games and will be confident heading into Sunday. If they can unleash the deep ball, head coach Brian Daboll may get more shots from the field this week and create more holes in the run game. Opening up the downfield passing game opens up more offensive possibilities.
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Chance to put points on the board
The Giants scored a season-high 29 points last Sunday. This Sunday night, the Giants will host a Bengals team that is averaging 29 points per game, the second-most in the league.
The Bengals’ receiving corps is talented, so the Giants will need to pick up points on Sunday to keep it close.
The Bengals defense also has the second fewest sacks in the league (6.0 sacks). The Giants’ improved offensive line should be able to protect Daniel Jones on Sunday and help the offense push the ball down the field.
