Minnesota at New York

I know. Nine and half is a lot of points. But, in this game, not enough. We were on Minnesota last week as they were in a good situation. The team rallyed after the loss of Duante Culpepper. And, they were playing the Lions. Now they are off a win and the extra level of emotional support Brad Johnson got last week will be largely gone. And, they are facing the Giants. New York right now is playing Super Bowl ball. Might we see an Eli vs. Peyton matchup in the big game? We might! Manning is getting better and better each week. He's got a great WR (Plaxico Burress) and a great TE (Jeremey Shockey) to throw to. Throw in the able Amani Toomer and Tiki Barber out of the backfield and you have a potent passing game. Then, mix in Barber and the emerging Brandon Jacobs and you round out the most prolific scoring offense in the NFL. Against the league's 27th defense, they will score in droves, getting above their average of 29 per game. New York has great coaching too. If they were ever to suffer a letdown, last week would have been it. They were off a 38-0 trouncing and were going to face the lowly 49ers. Tom Coughlin simply wouldn't let them falter. His coaching, and their sheer superiority, led them to a win and a cover as a big road favorite. Home favorites that have allowed 200 or less yards in 2 straight games hit at about 80% in the NFL. Minnesota has a big Monday night game against Green Bay on deck and are in a tough situation here. In the Meadowlands, the G-Men romp in this one. New York for 3 stars.