17. New York Giants at Detroit Lions (Week 16). Detroit does have an electric offense and a devoted home crowd. Jahmyr Gibbs minted a personal 264-yard highlight reel against this opponent last fall. But beat writer Charlotte Carroll predicts a 6-11 finish for John Harbaugh’s first Big Blue bid. Even with a promising draft haul and possible leaps from Jaxson Dart and Malik Nabers, the team could be entirely out of contention come December. If nothing else, maybe we get a second Jameis Winston touchdown catch? Number to know: 4.9. That’s how many wins the Giants have averaged across the last nine years. Barring a massive overachievement in Harbaugh’s debut, this late-season draw feels eminently flex-worthy.
12. New York Giants at Los Angeles Rams (Week 2). Another pairing that definitely benefits from September freshness. A healthy Nabers could line up across from new Rams corner Trent McDuffie. The brick-and-mortar Harbaugh gets to face off against scheme wizard Sean McVay. L.A. supplies the star wattage with Matthew Stafford, Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. It’s Week 2, so we’ll all be tuned in. But Giants-Rams might have the greatest blowout potential of these 17 Monday night clashes. Number to know: -8.5, this game’s opening spread according to several sportsbooks. Right now, it’s the only MNF matchup with a two-score gap.
