New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (82) makes a catch for a touchdown in the second half. The Giants defeat the Ravens, 24-20, at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022. Nfl Ny Giants Vs Ravens
The New York Giants (2-11) host the Baltimore Ravens (8-5) at MetLife Stadium this Sunday afternoon in a game where many Giant fans are expected to disguise themselves as empty seats.
Here are five storylines to follow before the Week 15 kickoff.
Giants a record 16-point underdog at home
Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants fans wear paper bags on their heads during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Giants have gone off as a favorite just once this season, in Week 10 against Carolina when they were 6.5-point favorites over in Munich. Of course, the Giants lost that game outright.
This week, they are 16-point underdogs to the Ravens at home, which is the largest point spread for a Giants game since Week 10 of last year against the Cowboys in Dallas (17.5), a game they lost, 49-16.
It’s believed to be the largest amount of points the Giants have been underdogs by at home in the last 35 years (point spreads could not be accurately verified before 1990).
The Giants have been 13-point underdogs twice at home since 1990:
12/29/07: 13-point underdog vs. New England (lost, 38-35)
12/13/98: 13-point underdog vs. Denver (won, 20-16)
The Giants are 2-11 on the season and 4-9 against the spread this season. The Ravens are 8-5 on the season and 6-7 ATS.
Another quarterback change for the Giants
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 24: Tommy DeVito #15 of the New York Giants throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
The Giants will be switching back to Tommy DeVito at quarterback with Drew Lock (heel, elbow) hurting. Lock started the last two games in relief of DeVito, who was out with a forearm injury.
DeVito will be up against a Ravens defense that is coming off a bye but has been ramping up for weeks. They are third in the NFL in sacks (41) and have not recorded less than two sacks in a game this season.
Over its past three games, Baltimore’s defense has allowed just 280.0 yards per game, which ranks as the NFL’s second-fewest (Detroit is first — 259.3). Baltimore has been especially tough against the pass since Week 11, allowing just 165.0 YPG, the NFL’s second-best mark behind San Francisco’s 149.3.
Giants can become infamous with a loss
Nov 28, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll reacts during the second half againt the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
The Giants are on an eight-game losing streak and have yet to win a game at home this season, losing all seven contests. Their chance of winning this week are very slim, as noted above.
A loss would be their ninth straight overall, tying the franchise record for consecutive losses set in 1976 and equaled in 2003-2004 and again in 2019.
It would also be their eighth home loss of the season, a new franchise high. The record for consecutive home losses is 10, set between 1973-75.
A ridiculously high number of injuries
CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 22: Bobby Okereke #58 and Dexter Lawrence II #97 of the New York Giants celebrate after a stop against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Giants have lost several key players for the season due to injury, such as left tackle Andrew Thomas, defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, linebacker Azeez Ojulari, safety Tyler Nubin and tight end Theo Johnson.
This week’s injury list is as long as Jason Pierre-Paul’s arm with 19 players appearing on Wednesday’s list.
By Friday, it was down to 10 but some key names were still on it. Defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches (neck/shoulder), linebacker Bobby Okereke (back), cornerback Andru Phillips (shoulder), and guard Jon Runyan (ankle) were ruled out, and cornerback Cor’Dale Flott (quad) and quarterback Drew Lock (heel/elbow) were listed as doubtful.
Cornerback Deonte Banks (rib) and tackle Chris Hubbard (knee) were listed as questionable, and linebacker Dyontae Johnson (ankle) and offensive lineman Austin Schlottmann (fibula) are still on injured reserve (IR) but have entered the 21-day practice window for return.
Ravens’ offense will be a challenge to contain
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 27: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens is pursued by cornerback Isaac Yiadom #27 of the New York Giants during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The Giants have not stopped the run very well this season, allowing opponents an average of 141.7 per game on the ground, the fourth-highest in the NFL this season.
Here come the Ravens with the league’s No. 2-ranked rushing attack (179.1 YPG) fueled by running back Derrick Henry, who is second in the NFL in rushing yards (1,407) behind only Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley. Henry has recorded NFL bests in total touchdowns (15, tied with Ja’Marr Chase) and rushing touchdowns (13, tied with Jalen Hurts).
Quarterback Lamar Jackson leads the NFL’s No. 1 offense (422.5 YPG) and is No. 3 in scoring (29.5 PPG). Jackson has excelled passing (3,290 yards, 29 touchdowns versus three interceptions for an NFL-best 116.3 rating) and leads all NFL quarterbacks in rushing (678 yards with three touchdowns).
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants vs. Ravens: 5 biggest storylines for Week 15