Steve Maltepes, known as “The Philly Godfather,” will impart his gambling wisdom on the Eagles and where the smart money is going on various pro football games each weekend this season. Maltepes is one of the nation’s hottest sports betting experts who appears weekly on national radio and has his own website, www.thephillygodfather.com [thephillygodfather.com].
Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) at New York Giants (2-4), 1 p.m. Sunday
The Line: Eagles minus-3.5/Total: 43
What is the line telling you
The market really hasn’t moved much on this game during the week since the line opened as the Eagles minus-3.5 and the total set at 44 offshore. So far, only the total has dropped one full point down to 43. When it comes to the side, there’s still a bunch of Eagles minus-3.5 out there, depending on what sports book you use while others are planted at Eagles minus-3.
We obviously know what the storyline is here in this matchup with Saquon Barkley returning to the Meadowlands. He’s been a great acquisition for Philly and has already paid huge dividends with his performance through the first five games of the season. Only three running backs have rushed for more yardage (Derrick Henry, Jordan Mason and Chuba Hubbard). This game will all come down to whether the Eagles’ offensive line can protect Jalen Hurts from the No. 1 pass rushing team in the NFL. The Giants’ defense leads the league with 26 sacks.
Bottom line
When it comes to the price of the game, I like the Giants here plus-3.5 as a home dog. The Eagles turnover woes continue to haunt them. The team ranks 30th overall in turnover margin (minus-6, only Tennessee (-7) and Las Vegas (-10) are worse), and then we compare the one common opponent they’ve had this season: The Cleveland Browns, Philly couldn’t outperform the market last week as 9-point home favorites, winning by just four. The Giants went on the road to Cleveland and ended up winning 21-15. We like the Giants plus the 3.5.
Prop bets for the game
Saquon Barkley anytime TD -150
Jalen Hurts under 219.5 Passing Yards
Jalen Hurts to throw an interception, Yes
AROUND THE NFL
Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) at Cleveland Browns (1-5), 1:00 p.m. Sunday
The Line: Bengals minus-5.5/Total: 41.5
What is the line telling you:
Cincinnati is the much healthier team heading into this game. The Browns are just so banged up on offense and defense.
Bottom line:
The Bengals are striving to keep pace with both the Steelers and Ravens in the division. We like the Bengals minus-5.5.
Prop bets
Joe Burrow over 250.5 passing yards
(Betting lines via FanDuel are subject to change.)
