As the New York Giants prepare to host the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday, they find themselves in an unsettling position—under the bright lights of MetLife Stadium, they stand as the biggest underdogs in their home territory since the mid-1960s. The point spread has the Giants as 16.5-point underdogs, a margin not seen since 1966, when they finished a dismal season with a 1-12-1 record.
The Giants’ Struggles
This year, the Giants’ struggles are clear. With a 2-11 record, they sit at the bottom of the NFC East and appear to be on a trajectory that mirrors that unfortunate team from 57 years ago. Injuries have plagued the team this season, exacerbating their difficulties on the field. The absence of Drew Lock, who is sidelined with a heel injury and currently in a walking boot, only compounds their woes.
In Lock’s stead, Tommy DeVito is slated to take the helm as the starting quarterback for the second time this season. DeVito's performance in Week 12 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was steady but unremarkable. Completing 21 out of 31 attempts for 189 yards without throwing for either a touchdown or an interception, he has yet to demonstrate the spark needed to elevate the Giants’ offense.
The Ravens' Dominance
Conversely, the Ravens arrive with a respectable 8-5 record, vying for postseason contention in the competitive AFC North. Historically, Baltimore has thrived in games where they enter as substantial favorites. Since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, they boast a 36-0 record when favored by 10.5 points or more—a daunting statistic for any opposition. This Sunday, with a spread favoring them by 16.5 points, they are once more expected to outperform.
The significance of the spread harkens back to notable NFL scenarios. In 2020, the Denver Broncos contended with a 16.5-point spread facing the New Orleans Saints, while a year prior, the Miami Dolphins faced daunting odds as 18-point underdogs against the New England Patriots. Both matchups illustrate the difficulty teams have when entering games as such large underdogs.
The Road Ahead
For the Giants, upsetting the odds will require a performance not yet seen this season. Perhaps DeVito can channel the perseverance shown in earlier games and lead his team to a surprising outcome. However, against a Ravens team skillfully navigating their way toward playoff aspirations, the challenge is monumental.
The expectations for Sunday’s game are clear. The Ravens' strength, coupled with the Giants' current vulnerabilities, paints a picture of a game that could be decisive early on.
Yet, in the unpredictable realm of the NFL, surprises can happen. As the Giants take the field with echoes of 1966 resounding in their ears, they carry not only the weight of expectation but the ever-hopeful heart of any underdog—to defy the odds and carve out a victory.