Mike Torres
06 JUN 2025
Selection: Under 8.5 MIN Regular Season Wins
Expectations may seem high after a 14-win season in 2023, but I’m fading the Vikings heading into the 2025-2026 season, locking in Under 8.5 wins at +120 odds.
There are significant questions in the QB room, starting with rookie J.J. McCarthy, who missed the entire season and now faces severe pressure with two primetime games to open the season.
Tossing a rookie into the fire isn’t ideal, especially when the first stretch of the schedule includes three consecutive matchups against the AFC North, with playing the defending champs the following week.
The Vikings also have to navigate a tough NFC North with rising squads like the Lions, Packers, and Bears, plus a grueling NFC East slate that offers no layups. Sure, Justin Jefferson is elite, and the O-line gets a boost from 1st-round rookie Donovan Jackson, but this offense won’t be what it was a year ago.
In a QB-driven league, giving the keys to a rookie and expecting last season’s results isn’t realistic. With a more rigid schedule, a raw QB, and growing pains inevitable, this feels like a prime regression year.
One Unit Wager: $25.00 to win $30.00 with +120 Odds
Mike Torres
05 JUN 2025
Selection: Over 5.5 NYG Regular Season Wins
At +115 odds, the New York Giants win a total of 5.5, one of the most intriguing bets heading into the 2025 NFL regular season. Despite coming off a disappointing 3-win campaign, this roster has undergone a notable transformation, particularly at quarterback and on defense. The mix of veteran leadership and young talent makes this a team with the potential to exceed expectations and surprise everyone.
Let's start with the quarterback position, the most important thing in football. The Giants added much-needed depth and experience with Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, plus a potential franchise cornerstone in 1st-round rookie Jaxson Dart. That's a significant upgrade from last year's carousel. Even average quarterback play could be worth 2-3 more wins alone.
On the outside, rookie WR Malik Nabers has the potential to be an instant megastar. If he stays healthy, 1,200+ receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns are within reach. RBs Tyrone Tracy Jr and rookie Cam Skattebo give the Giants a burst of youth and explosiveness in the backfield.
The Giants' defense looks reloaded and ready to compete. Adding #3 overall pick rookie Abdul Carter to a team featuring Dexter Lawrence II, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux gives them one of the most disruptive defensive cores in the league. This unit should be able to create turnovers, shorten games, and provide the offense with more favorable situations.
Yes, the Giants play in a tough NFC East with the defending Super Bowl Champion Eagles, the Cowboys, and an improving Commanders squad. But going 0-6 in the division is unlikely. A 2-4 record is a reasonable expectation.
Outside the division, there are clear winnable games:
Week 4 vs Chargers
Week 5 vs Saints
Week 7 vs Broncos
Week 10 vs Bears
Week 11 vs Packers
Week 13 vs Patriots
Week 17 vs Raiders
The Giants have a history of going over 5.5 wins, having achieved this in three of the past five seasons (2020, 2022, and 2023), even without stability at quarterback. With a more functional offense and an upgraded defense, betting the over at plus money (+115) is a solid value selection and a testament to the team's potential.
Two Unit Wager: $50 to win $57.50 at +115 odds.