SCORE 25-to-30 POINTS
The Giants would prefer to control the ball, drag Cincinnati into a dogfight and capitalize opportunistically on shot plays for touchdowns. But the average score of the Bengals’ last three games is 35-34.3 in favor of Cincy. They have scored 105 total points in their last three games and allowed 103. That’s an opportunity for Brian Daboll and Daniel Jones, but it’s also pressure to keep their foot on the gas all night — or else.
DON’T LET PUNTER BECOME PROBLEM
Jamie Gillan’s left hamstring injury late in the week may compromise the Giants’ ability to pin opponents, change Daboll’s decision-making on fourth downs and impact holds on Greg Joseph field goals. The Giants have to do whatever they can not to have a repeat of the Graham Gano fiasco in Week 2 in Washington, though. This one detail cannot blow up their game.
IMPROVE SITUATIONAL FOOTBALL
The Giants’ defense had huge letdowns at the end of both halves in Seattle, allowing 10 points to undercut an otherwise strong game. The offense didn’t help in those scenarios, either, including a fourth quarter 3-and-out that handed the Seahawks an extra possession and nearly cost New York the game. Daboll needs to button up those details on both sides of the ball so the Giants are able to play the same brand of football in their tensest moments.