The National Football League is still planning on kicking off the 2020 season on schedule, but there will be several key changes. Most teams are optimistic that fans will be allowed to attend games, but that won’t be the case for the New York Giants and New York Jets.
The Jets and Giants released a joint statement on Monday announcing this new policy, and that fans will not be allowed at MetLife Stadium until further notice. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued an executive order limiting gatherings to 50 people or less, and that order includes sporting events.
New Rules To Follow
The New York/New Jersey metropolitan area has been hit extremely hard by the coronavirus pandemic, and both states have taken drastic measures to try and stop the spread. Facial coverings must still be worn in public when social distancing cannot be met.
Both teams will be holding training camps at their team facilities in Florham Park (Jets) and East Rutherford (Giants), but the Giants are expected to use MetLife Stadium for many preseason activities. Normally, each team would open their training camps to fans, but that will not be the case this summer.
The Giants will open the season by taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium. The Jets are scheduled to play their first home game on Sept. 20 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Obviously, not having fans in the stadium is a huge blow in terms of home-field advantage, but this could be the norm around football this season. Other teams are expected to make similar announcements in the coming days and weeks.
Sportsbooks Don’t Give Either Team Much Respect
FanDuel Sportsbook has several NFL betting options currently available, and none of the odds seem to favor the Jets or Giants. One of the most popular bets to make is on whether or not each team will make the playoffs.
The New York Giants odds are listed at +380 for “yes” and -550 for “no.” FanDuel has the odds for the Jets at +360 for “yes,” and -500 for “no.”
Not In The Running
FanDuel Sportsbook also does not give the Jets or Giants much chance to make some noise in their respective divisions. Both teams are still going through a rebuilding phase, but fans are optimistic that each team will show improvement this season.
Here are the odds to win the NFC East:
- Dallas Cowboys -105
- Philadelphia Eagles +140
- New York Giants +900
- Washington Redskins +1300
These odds would indicate that FanDuel views this division as a two-team race, and the Giants are not one of the two teams. Other sportsbooks around the country are offering similar odds.
The Jets play in the AFC East, and here are the odds to win that division:
- New England Patriots +100
- Buffalo Bills +150
- New York Jets +750
- Miami Dolphins +850
The AFC East will likely also be a two-team race in 2020, and the Jets are expected to be on the outside looking in. New York saw its odds drop tremendously when the Patriots signed quarterback Cam Newton.
