8:15 PM ET, August 17, 2009
Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

It has been said that this game has no major interest and since it’s a monday night football we might think that this particular one has more than meets the eye.

Carolina Panthers: Last year they used dominating running game of DeAngelo Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart to win NFC South. Defense faltered late in the season despite DE Julius Peppers’ 14½ sacks. The key changes are Coach John Fox has six new assistants, including defensive coordinator Ron Meeks, who replaces Mike Trgovac. Veteran CB Ken Lucas was released and will be replaced by Richard Marshall. Traded next year’s first-round pick for extra second-rounder to take DE Everette Brown, who’s expected to help anemic pass rush after Peppers. Fellow second-round pick Sherrod Martin may immediately become No.3 CB.

New York Giants: Last year was a season that could have been. Won 11 of first 12, including win over Super Bowl champion Steelers on the road. New York’s chance to repeat as NFL champions ended when Plaxico Burress shot himself in the thigh in late November. Without a deep threat in the lineup, New York lost four of five, including NFC semifinal against Philadelphia. The key changes this season with criminal case and league action still pending, Giants waived Burress in April. Fellow veteran WR Amani Toomer also wasn’t re-signed. Got receivers Hakeem Nicks(first round) and Ramses Barden(third) in the draft and strengthened defense, signing DE Chris Canty, DT Rocky Bernard and LB Michael Boley as free agents. Two-time Pro Bowl DE Osi Umenyiora returns after missing last season with knee injury.

MY PREDICTION WILL BE A TOUGH ONE, THE GAME LOOKS PRETTY EVEN BUT MY PICK WILL BE NEW YORK GIANTS TO WIN AT HOME.

CHECK OUR ODDS ON THIS MONDAY NIGHT PRESEASON GAME AND OUR BONUS PROMOTIONS AT SKYTOWER CASINO & SPORTSBOOK.