The New England Patriots and the New York Giants go head-to-head at MetLife Stadium in Week 12.
The final time the groups squared off on the Meadowlands got here in 2015, when the Patriots performed a game-winning drive for a 27-26 win. In that sport, Tom Brady was nonetheless New England’s quarterback, driving the workforce to the playoffs whereas Odell Beckham Jr. stood out as a star for New York.
It’s protected to say occasions have modified.
After Week 10, the Patriots and Giants each sit at 2-8 within the midst of extremely underwhelming seasons. The 2 groups are additionally at the moment set to select within the high 5 choices of the 2024 NFL Draft primarily based on information.
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In that sense, the winner of the Week 12 matchup might earn a win on their report, although they’ll head within the unsuitable path of an optimum draft decide. In consequence, a sport that most certainly is not going to function high-quality soccer will nonetheless have fascinating implications.
“It’s the strangest sport of the yr, the place the loser is the winner,” FS1’s Colin Cowherd mentioned on “The Herd” on Tuesday.
With New York quarterback Daniel Jones already out for the season, Cowherd believes the Patriots are higher suited to win the sport the place a loss means the whole lot. On the identical time, the FS1 host known as into query the timing of releasing cornerback Jack Jones whereas New England lacks wholesome depth at that place.
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Whereas each groups being short-handed might play a number of roles, Cowherd sees New England as the favourite within the struggle for a 3rd win.
“I believe the Giants are in a soft-tank mode,” Cowherd argued. “Patriots ought to beat them as a result of (Invoice) Belichick beats rookie quarterbacks, younger quarterbacks and unhealthy quarterbacks.”
Having a excessive draft decide within the 2024 NFL Draft would go a great distance as a primary step in important roster building and enchancment. Extremely gifted prospects corresponding to USC quarterback Caleb Williams, North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye and Ohio State extensive receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. might be among the many first names known as to go influence knowledgeable workforce.
If the present NFL season traits in the identical path, Cowherd gave his evaluation of the place these high gamers might find yourself subsequent season.
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“My perception is the Patriots would be the Giants,” Cowherd defined. “The Bears will take the primary decide by means of Carolina, they’ll take Caleb (Williams). Giants will get Drake Maye. The Patriots, I don’t assume will draft a quarterback. I believe they’ll take Marvin Harrison (Jr.), the one place they’ll’t draft.”
When the groups meet in Week 12, the Patriots and Giants will play extra for only a win to shut out November.