There are several unknown variables between both the 49ers and Giants. Nick Mullens' success on scripted plays is unlikely to continue against a post bye-week New York Giants. Yet the offensive issues of the Giants are not going away. They continually stall inside the opponents' red zone. Look for the home team to capitalize on fewer red-zone possessions but convert touchdowns. Grab the 49ers.

It scares me that everyone likes the Giants in this game, considering how bad they've played this year, but I have to take the points against a 49ers team that isn't as good as it showed last Thursday against a Raiders team that was laying down. Nick Mullens should struggle against an actual NFL defense, while the Giants have shown the ability to stay in games, with five of their seven losses by seven points or less. The Giants playmakers set the tone here and the 49ers offense can't keep up.

Good on ya, Nick Mullens -- as the Aussies would say -- for your smashing debut last week as the 49ers QB. Now let’s see how you fare against an opponent with video to watch and a scouting report compiled. Stepping out of a bye week, the visitors earn the check mark as the healthier team. The Giants have been decent on the road against four average-to-good foes, beating Houston straight-up while losing by seven at Dallas, two to Carolina and three to Atlanta. The 49ers become their softest away opponent yet.

Five of the Giants' seven losses have come by a touchdown or less. They're coming off a bye, and the rest was a good thing for rookie Saquon Barkley. Eli Manning is playing for his job this week. Nick Mullens was outstanding against the Raiders, but Oakland did not even put up a fight. This is going to be a close game. Take the field goal.

Nick Mullens came out of nowhere to torch the Oakland Raiders last week but that's not enough to make me comfortable laying points on a 2-7 team playing its third-string QB.

It's desperation time for the Giants and their 2018 season. They've made some moves, cut some players and may end up making a quarterback change at some point. In this game, they face a quarterback in Nick Mullens who is coming off of a fantastic debut in a win over Oakland. The issue I have with the 49ers is their defense isn't as stout against the run as you'd expect. Not saying that the Giants are world-beaters up front, but they could find success in creating holes for Saquon Barkley, which could actually open up the rest of their offense for success. Plus, the Giants are in much better shape than the Raiders. Take the Giants and the points.