Both New York and San Francisco had High Hopes for the 2018 season but it’s been a panic at the disco for both teams so far this year. The two teams have combined to go just 3-14 this year which has made the NFL week 10 MNF free pick hard to gauge as oddsmakers have set the home team Niners as -3 favorites. The Giants have superior offensive talent, but have gone into a rut at that side of the ball. The 49ers saw a breakout performance from an unexpected star at QB last week – but was that an anomaly or the norm?
Have the Giants Simply Given Up?
With an offensive squad that features Odell Beckham, Jr., Saquon Barkley, and Eli Manning to name a few the Giants surely haven’t very intimidating on that side of the ball. New York has lost five straight games and have broken 21+ points scoring just once over that span. The Giants still have a top 10 passing offense, but rank a very disappointing 31st in the run (77.9 ypg). Barkley has been completely shut down, breaking 50 yards rushing just once in the last 5 games. Beckham has gone off lately with 130+ yards receiving in 3 of the last 4 but can he carry the Giants on the road in the NFL week 10 MNF free pick?
Luckily for New York backers (NYG +3) the Giants defense can keep them in the game tonight regardless of what their offense produces. The Giants have allowed 23 points or less in 5 of 8 games this season and have a favorable matchup against a 49ers offense that is 20th in the NFL in total yards and 23rd in passing. Tonight’s O/U is still a bit on the high side at 45 however. This is likely due to the production San Francisco got in the passing game last week and the fact that their rushing offense is 4th in the NFL at 134.7 ypg.
49ers Try to See If Mullens Is For Real
The big question ahead of the NFL week 10 MNF free pick is what San Francisco fans will see out of QB Nick Mullens. He went 16/22 for 262 yards with 3TD and 0INT in his first NFL action last week. The 49ers offense seemed invigorated in that 34-3 win over Oakland last week but then again…it was Oakland. Mullens showed a great connection with TE Greg Kittle who had 4 catches for 108 yards vs. the Raiders. Mullens may not be for real, but he’s up against a Giants defense that has turned to mostly undrafted rookies and fringe veterans. Mullens also won’t have to do it all as that rushing attack of Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert have formed a nice 1-2 punch in the backfield.
For as good as the 49ers offense looked last week it’s their defense that is making SF an appealing pick in the NFL week 10 MNF free pick. The 49ers have given up just 21 total points in the last two weeks. San Fran is a top 12 defense in total yards allowed and is especially great against the run giving up just a little over 100 ypg (102.8). That’s not what a struggling New York offense wants to hear.
NFL Week 10 MNF Free Pick Betting
Both teams have struggled this season but the 49ers are building on the positive of last week’s win vs. the Raiders (a win is a win in the NFL). The Giants seem to be eager to get this season over with and now have to travel cross-country to play in the smoke filled air of California in a prime time spotlight. San Francisco doesn’t know what to expect from their young QB, but he’s got a solid run game to rely on and a favorable home matchup against a depleted Giants defense.
NFL Free Pick: San Francisco 49ers -3