More than 15 years ago, the Patriots were on the verge of finishing off a perfect season before getting tripped up by the Giants in Super Bowl XLII.

Fast forward to 2023. These teams own a combined record of 5-16, and Tom Brady and Eli Manning are not walking through those doors for either of these struggling clubs.

The Giants play host to the Patriots at MetLife Stadium as a short home underdog in spite of pulling out a 31-19 road victory at Washington last week.

That win snapped a three-game slide for the G-Men, who had scored a combined 33 points in the previous three contests before busting out against the Commanders. Quarterback Tommy DeVito threw three touchdown passes, and the Giants scored more than 17 points for just the second time this season.

One of New England’s two wins this season came at MetLife against the Jets in Week 3.

The Patriots return from the bye week after losing to the Colts in Germany, 10-6, marking the eighth time in the past nine games they have been held to 17 or fewer points.

Patriots quarterback Mac Jones was limited to fewer than 200 passing yards for the fourth time this season, and has been picked off in three consecutive games.

And if the Pats elect to go with Bailey Zappe at QB instead, it won’t make much difference.

In spite of the fact these teams have been horrible offensively, it’s hard to feel very confident about taking the Under of 34 points.

New England owns a 1-2 against the spread in the favorite role this season, but the Patriots are running out of chances for wins with their schedule down the stretch. The Giants played their best game of the season last week, and it may be hard for DeVito to duplicate that performance once again.

Let’s back New England laying the points against Big Blue.

The play: Patriots -4.