Our New York Giants vs. Washington Commanders prediction takes a look at the Week 15 matchup that features a strong NFC East rivalry with massive playoff implications. Let’s dive into the current NFL betting odds, key storylines to watch, and make a prediction for the game. Note that all odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook as of Tuesday, Dec. 13.
Giants vs. Commanders Odds
- Spread
Commanders -4.5 - Moneyline
Commanders -205, Giants +175 - Over/Under
40 points
Giants vs. Commanders Prediction
The Giants were one of the biggest surprises through the early part of the season. Under their new head coach Brian Daboll, they shocked team after team by walking away with a victory through the first half of the year.
Unfortunately, the lack of playmakers on offense and overall talent on the roster has forced the Giants to come crashing back down to earth a bit over the past month. After seeming like they would be a lock for one of the Wild Card spots in the NFC, New York has now lost or tied in their last four games.
They certainly have run into some very good offenses over that time frame, but Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley have failed to match those offensive performances, and it’s now led to the Giants sitting in last place in the NFC East with a 7-5-1 record.
This rematch against the Commanders from just two weeks ago — which resulted in a tie — is a must-win game for New York. Their season hangs on the line going into this matchup, and they’ll need their offensive playmakers to step up in a big way.
Unfortunately, Barkley’s health could essentially decide this game before it even kicks off. The star RB was limited last week against the Eagles and carried the ball just nine times for 28 yards. In order for New York to win this game and advance to 8-5-1 on the season, Barkley needs to be at full strength and put up a vintage performance.
It shouldn’t all rest on a running back’s shoulders, but due to the lack of playmakers at the WR position for the Giants, he’s the key to winning this divisional matchup.
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As for Washington, they’re coming off of their bye week and immediately playing the team that they just played beforehand in New York. Despite QB turmoil and injuries all over the roster this season, Washington is currently slated to be in the NFL playoffs if they happened today. They can make that even more of a reality with a victory over their division rival in Week 15.
Taylor Heinicke has done just enough to salvage this Washington season. The Commanders have now won, or tied, in seven of their last eight games. Heinicke’s ability to make a big-time throw late in the game or put the ball up for one of his receivers to make a big-time reception has been the deciding factor in Washington being at this point.
The key to winning this matchup for the Commanders, however, rests on their run game. Their RB duo of Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson will need to be sharp this week to keep taking pressure off of Heinicke and working to control the clock.
Against the defense that’s allowing the fourth-most rushing yards per game this season, that should be a feasible task. If they can do that, Washington should advance to 8-5-1 on the season.
Giants vs. Commanders Score Prediction
Washington 24, Giants 17
