The Detroit Lions and New York Giants will faceoff during Week 1 of the NFL preseason. It is one of two Thursday Night Football preseason games but it might be a bit harder to watch for the general public. With the game not on the NFL Network, how exactly can fans catch the Lions vs. Giants showdown?
Here is everything you need to know about where and how you can watch the Week 1 preseason game.
How to Watch Detroit Lions at New York Giants on Thursday Night
- Start time: Thursday, August 8, 2024, 7 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local
- Live stream options: NFL+
- Radio stations: Lions Radio Network, WFAN 660 AM and 101.9 FM
- Starting QBs: Nate Sudfeld, Daniel Jones
- Betting lines:
- Spread: NYG -3.5
- Total: 35
- Moneyline: NYG -180, DET +150
The Lions and Giants are ready to hit the gridiron, and if the first few days of joint practices are any indicator, it might get a little testy. The Lions and Giants found themselves in multiple scuffles (and wound up getting fined by the NFL) as they duked it out in drills throughout the week. Right in the thick of it was Giants quarterback Daniel Jones.
The extracurriculars might scare New York’s coaching staff, given Jones’ injuries last season, but it’s good to see the sixth-year quarterback fired up in what feels like a make-or-break season. After navigating to a playoff berth in 2022, the roster came crashing down last season due to injuries and Jones’ regression.
While the Giants could’ve selected Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy, or Bo Nix, New York decided to take the second wide receiver in the draft, Malik Nabers, to give Jones one more shot at proving to the coaching staff and front office that he’s ready to lead the Giants.
Meanwhile, the Lions have massive expectations to live up to after falling just short in the NFC Championship Game in 2023. After signing QB Jared Goff, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, and OT Penei Sewell to new contracts this offseason, the Lions are ready to keep the momentum they built from last season, given some high roster continuity.
While Goff likely won’t see much time in the preseason, second-year QB Hendon Hooker will get his first NFL snaps after missing last preseason after tearing his ACL. However, he will have to fight off Nate Sudfeld, and according to the Lions’ first depth chart, he’s losing that battle.
"Tonight is gonna be the Hendon Hooker show for the Lions..
He's been making incredible throws and it's just all about consistency" ~ @Justin_Rogers #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/xGU9pGI51d
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 8, 2024
While Detroit does expect bigger things from Hooker than Nate Sudfeld, they have made it clear they aren’t going to coddle the second-year QB.
While a tougher schedule could complicate Detroit’s postseason placement, the NFC North powerhouse has shown it’s put together a solid roster to fend off some of the NFL’s best.
Will the Lions be able to keep hold of the NFC North with quarterback Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers right on their heels? Detroit’s offseason moves suggest that’s the case.
The Lions prioritized keeping their talent on offense, but they addressed defensive needs through free agency. Detroit signed DT DJ Reader and DE Marcus Davenport to bolster the defensive line while also strengthening the secondary by trading for CB Carlton Davis III, signing CB Amik Robertson, and drafting CBs Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the first and second rounds, respectively.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell has done a stellar job turning Detroit’s historically bad franchise around. Now that they’ve reached the division’s top, will the Lions cave under the pressure?
With big seasons ahead for both franchises, their 2024 season begins today.
Lions vs. Giants Betting Preview
In general, the Lions have a better understanding of their starters in crucial spots, while the Giants are still looking for answers. Therefore, we could see the Giants jumping out to an early lead as they cycle through more of their top-tier options early in the game. However, many of their top-skill position players are not playing, which dampens any hope of a fast start.
For more betting analysis, make sure to check out PFN’s Week 1 preseason picks and predictions.
Fantasy Players to Watch
WR Jameson Williams
There’s not much uncertainty regarding the Lions’ top fantasy weapons. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Sam LaPorta are elite options at their respective positions. David Montgomery is a solid RB2. Jared Goff is a solid QB2/streamer. The only other player on this offense that might be fantasy-relevant is third-year WR Jameson Williams.
RBs Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Devin Singletary is the presumptive starter, but he’s not exactly this amazing talent. If the rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. plays well enough, he could push Singletary for early-down work. It’s a situation we need to monitor and one to pay attention to when the Giants take the field in the preseason.
For more fantasy analysis, make sure to check out PFN’s fantasy players to watch during the NFL preseason.