Last season, the Giants went into Charlotte in Week 3, lucky to be 1-1 after a big comeback win over the Bucs, and down a couple of big-time offensive players in injured Ahmad Bradshaw and Hakeem Nicks. They were hoping to squeak out a defensive victory over Cam Newton and the Panthers. Instead, they blew out Carolina 36-7 as Andre Brown rushed for 113 yards and two TDs and Ramses Barden caught nine passes for 138 yards.
It’s same time, same place for the Giants, back in North Carolina. But now Big Blue has even more urgency at 0-2, and the injuries are on the other side and clustered in one critical spot. The Panthers list four defensive backs who did not practice on Wednesday. Talented free safety Charles Godfrey is lost for the season, and the other three will either play with some compromise or have to be replaced by bench guys who will have to cover Nicks, Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle.
The Giants also will be playing this one for Tom Coughlin, who tragically lost his younger brother John on Monday.
The pick: Giants +1.
JETS (-2) over Bills: Rookie QB battle between Geno Smith and E.J Manuel. Slight nod to the Jets here because this is Manuel’s first NFL road game, and Rex Ryan is 6-1 against rookie QBs. Also, the Jets have averaged 70 yards per game more than their opponents through two games, while the Bills have been outgained by 8 ¹/₂ yards per game, and Jeremy Kerley’s return will be a big boost to Smith.
COWBOYS (-4) over Rams: Last time these teams met in 2011, DeMarco Murray introduced himself with a 253-yard rushing game. Tony Romo also has had big games against the Rams, and St. Louis is on second week of tough back-to-backs at Atlanta and Dallas.
BENGALS (+2½) over Packers: Eddie Lacy’s concussion is a big-deal injury for the Packers, and their defense will have A.J. Green and the other Bengal receivers to worry about. Another AFC North home dog pick.
Chargers (+3) over TITANS: Not crazy about the Chargers’ tough travel schedule or their D, which has given up 480 yards per game thus far. But the Titans’ popgun offense has managed just 238.5 yards per game, so don’t like that matchup versus Philip Rivers (seven touchdowns, one interception). Rivers also is 5-0 lifetime versus Tennessee.
VIKINGS (-6) over Browns: Was looking forward to the great Adrian Peterson-Trent Richardson matchup, but the Browns decided instead to Cave for Clowney, Break It Down for Bridgewater or Mess Up for Manziel. Vikes will have fun at home after division road losses at Detroit and Chicago.
PATRIOTS (-7) over Buccaneers: Like the Jets, the Pats have the benefit of a few extra days’ rest after last playing on Sept. 12. Both the Broncos and Ravens won and covered last week in that situation, something to keep an eye on as a trend. Tom Brady could get Rob Gronkowski and/or Danny Amendola back.
SAINTS (-7½) over Cardinals: Still waiting for a Saints offensive explosion. Both Larry Fitzgerald (hamstring) and Rashard Mendenhall (toe) missed practice Wednesday so keep an eye on the Cards’ injury report.
REDSKINS (-1½) over Lions: Figured it would take RG3 some time to get all of his systems in gear, and it has. He should be getting a little better each week, and the 0-2 Redskins will be breathing fire at home. Reggie Bush is dealing with a bad knee for the Lions.
RAVENS (+2½) over Texans: The Ravens, Bengals and Steelers are all home dogs this week and I’m taking all three. Texans are 2-0, but failed to cover both times despite rolling up 195 more yards per game than their opponents. Ravens’ D stats will be skewed badly for a while because of the Denver opener. Keep an eye on Andre Johnson’s status (concussion).
Falcons (+2) over DOLPHINS: Great value here. Lot of love for the Dolphins after going 2-0 on the road, but the Falcons are clearly the better team even without injured Steven Jackson. Who would have thought you’d get them with a couple points here?
Colts (+10½) over 49ERS: Not sure how much Richardson will give the Colts in his first game after the stunning trade. If anyone can step right in, it’s a running back. What it really does, though, is tell all the Colts players that this team is Going For It. Now!
Seahawks (-19) over Jaguars: Wow, a lot of points, but at least it’s not 20! Jags have only 11 points in two games. Can envision something like 27-3 here without the Seahawks breaking much of a sweat.
STEELERS (+2½) over Bears: Steelers are 0-2 and will be throwing everything they have left at Jay Cutler, who was sacked only once in two home wins. Ben Roethlisberger is 15-1 straight up at home vs. the NFC in his career, and straight up is all you need here.
MONDAY NIGHT
Raiders (+15) over BRONCOS: Raiders are giving up a stout 261 yards per game — granted one game was versus the Jaguars … but the other was at Indianapolis. The loss of blindside protector Ryan Clady might make Peyton Manning think twice about everything he’s doing. Just a ton of points for a blood rivalry.
BEST BETS: Giants, Steelers, Raiders.
LAST WEEK: 8-8 overall, 0-3 Best Bets.
LOCK OF THE WEEK: Giants (Locks 0-2)