New York vs. Seattle

Giants -6 1/2 vs. Seahawks

Click here for NFL Lines.

Why is it that NFL wide receivers have to be the sporting worlds version of a “diva?”

Prior to the season, we had to deal with Chad Johnson changing his name to a spanish numeral only until the NFL told him he would have to buy all the jerseys left in the merchandise closet before he could change his nameplate. This past week Terrell Owens, who we know way too well, stated that he was not receiving the ball enough even though his quarterback threw his way 17 times Sunday.

Now the Giants (3-0) are coping without their superstar, Super Bowl hero Plaxico Burress who was suspended for going M.I.A. early in New Yorks bye week. The Giants are hoping that they can weather the storm of Burress’ absence by taking on an inconsistent Seahawks (1-2) team who are embarking on their second cross-country trek of the early season.

Meanwhile Seattle has had receiver issues of their own this season, but not because of misconduct. Deion Branch and Bobby Engram are set to make their season debut and bolster a struggling Matt Hasselbeck.
Without Burress, Eli Manning can bank on their stellar running attack. Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward have been a lethal combination this season. Jacobs has rushed for 244 yards, while Ward has 177 in spot and relief duty.

The Giants usually steady defense allowed 347 yards to the Bengals, but was able to take down Carson Palmer six times. Palmer was so battled by the Giants he was unable to start last week and looks unable to go this week as well. The Giants have 13 sacks amazingly even without Pro Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora.

Hasslebeck hopes to avoid hitting the turf on Sunday. This way his now plentiful receivers core will be able to work their magic. Engram, Branch and Koren Robinson should all be back and able to spread the Giants secondary to the max. Of course not getting sacked may be tough for Hasslebeck against a Giants team on pace to break the Chicago Bears single season sack record.

Click here for Football Betting at WagerWeb.com