Seattle Seahawks @ New York Giants, 01.15 October 3rd UK-time.

It’s Monday Night Football in the US, but the early hours of Tuesday for those of us in the UK. MetLife Stadium in the Big Apple is the venue, and the East Rutherford faithful will be hoping talisman RB Saquon Barkley is fit to help carry the fight to the visiting ‘Hawks.

Team news

As I alluded to in the introduction, often in the NFL a team’s prospects revolve around the form or availability of just one player. It’s usually the QB of course, but in New York’s case, it’s their elite running back.

Saquon Barkley is the face of the franchise really, and a huge element of their offense. He’s listed as doubtful but I’m guessing a decision will be taken a little closer to the kick-off.

Giants’ OT Andrew Thomas is thought be out yet again, while for the Seahawks, Tre Brown and Artie Burns are apparently ruled out, with Coby Bryant doubtful.

Seahawks -1.5 @ 10/11

Giants’ QB Daniel Jones isn’t exactly ripping it up right now and once again this impacts upon Barkley’s availability (or not). When he’s on the field Jones has far less ‘quarterbacking’ to do, if you get my drift. Hand the rock to Saquon Rasul Quevis Barkley and watch those chains move.

Then when ringing the changes and going to the passing game, there’s an element of surprise to be utilised.  He’ll use Brightwell and others instead no doubt to carry, but it’s a tough ask to deputise for Saquon.

If as seems likeliest Barkley is absent it’s not hard to see NY struggling to get their offense firing. It’s very early days to be relying too much on any stats gleaned, but Jones has been sacked more times than he’d like, too. The overall 1-2 Giants might have home field, but I’m happy to look to their 2-1 opponents for the majority of positives.

Both sides languish among the stragglers in terms of overall defense. Seattle have the edge offensively, and bagging on average around double the points per game of their opponents. ‘Hawks QB Geno Smith is having himself a time, and connecting with established weapons DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.

Winning margin – Seahawks by OVER 12 points (so 13 or more) @ 9/2

It’s Seattle for me then, and I’m taking a small punt on it being emphatic. -1.5 is a cracking spread in my book, and let’s also go for the ‘Hawks to win by a couple of TDs or so – by 13 or more, in the winning margin betting. These aren’t Super Bowl contenders, but it should be a competitive match with a decent number of points more likely than not.