Giants set to welcome back quarterback Eli Manning for Monday Night Football, but heavy favorite status remains with Philadelphia Eagles, who are grappling with their own issues.
New York Giants: Eli Manning Returns as Mentor and Part-Owner
In a surprising turn of events, Eli Manning, the 38-year-old veteran quarterback, has returned to the New York Giants, but not in the capacity of a player. Manning, who was benched earlier, is now actively involved with the team as a mentor and part-owner.
Manning's role has evolved beyond the playing field. He has been seen coaching and advising the Giants' new quarterback, Jaxson Dart, emphasizing the importance of learning from starter Russell Wilson and the essence of leadership and preparation. Manning's ongoing connection to the franchise is evident, as he recently bought back a stake in the Giants, joining the ownership ranks.
Manning remains optimistic about the Giants' prospects for the 2025 season, attributing their potential competitiveness to key roster additions like Wilson and defensive improvements. However, the team's performance forecasts vary, with preseason analyses predicting a modestly improved team, possibly achieving around 6-7 wins.
The Giants' current outlook is uncertain, as they have been eliminated from the playoffs and have struggled since Daniel Jones' first two starts, losing eight games in a row. Daniel Jones, who was benched due to a high ankle sprain, is expected to miss between two to four weeks. In his absence, Manning could potentially finish the season as the starter for the Giants.
The Philadelphia Eagles, who host the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 22, are the favourites for the Monday Night Football game against the Giants, with a point spread of 8.5. FanDuel sportsbook offers the Eagles at -420 and the Giants at +340 in the straight-up market. The over/under for the game has dropped from 47 to 45.5 at FanDuel, and most other sportsbooks have it at 45.
Despite the Eagles being the favourites, more money has been bet on the Giants, with 68% of the moneyline bets being on the underdog team. Wide Receiver Nelson Agholor, the team's third-leading receiver, is questionable for the Eagles due to a knee injury. Running back Jordan Howard, who leads the team in rushing yards and touchdowns, is also questionable with an injured shoulder. If Howard returns, Miles Sanders may see more of the workload.
The 5-7 Eagles are still in the NFC East title race, despite losing three straight games. The Dallas Cowboys (6-8), who have also lost three straight, currently hold the tiebreaker over the Eagles. The Giants, on the other hand, have a chance for the top pick in next year's NFL Draft.
Steve Bittenbender, a journalist, reports on these developments in the world of American football. The New York Giants, under the guidance of their new mentor and part-owner, Eli Manning, continue to navigate the challenges of the 2022 season.
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