One of the best rivalries in the NFL will renew on Thursday night when the New York Giants take on the Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams are chasing the Washington Redskins in a disappearing NFC East division. The Eagles beat the Giants in both meetings last year, but each game was decided by one possession.
The New York Giants lost a heartbreaker in week five against the Carolina Panthers to fall to 1-4 on the season. The lone victory for the Giants took place in week three against the Houston Texans in week three. The Philadelphia Eagles bring a disappointing 2-3 record into this game after losing both of their last two contests. Philadelphia is a three–point favorite over the Giants in this game.
Barkley Needs More Touches
The New York Giants have a stud rookie running back but need to give him more touches. Barkley has run the ball just 71 times this season but has found the end zone five times. Barkley has been a huge weapon catching the ball out of the backfield and has caught 31 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns this season. Look for the Giants to try to Barkley even more involved in the game plan against the Eagles.
The Giants locker room appears to be a mess after wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. made some interesting comments questioning the play calling and play of Eli Manning. Manning has completed over 70 percent of his passes this season, but is averaging just over seven yards a completion. New York will have to take some shots down the field if they are going to beat the Eagles.
Eagles Offense Losing Top Playmaker
The Philadelphia Eagles will be without running back Jay Ajayi in this game after he tore his ACL in week five. Ajayi was averaging more than four yards per carry this season for the Eagles and found the end zone three times. Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement are expected to split time at the running back position against the Giants, but Philadelphia could look to trade for a top running back.
Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz has shown some signs of rust since returning from a torn ACL suffered last season. Wentz has thrown five touchdowns to just one interception this season but hasn’t been able to escape tacklers like he did last season. The Eagles star quarterback has been sacked twelve times already this season, and can’t continue to take hits at this rate all season.
Giants Battle, Eagles Win
The NFC East division is still wide open, and the winner of this game could vault to the top of the division. The New York Giants have played better for much of the season, but only have one win to show for it. The Giants offensive line will play a huge role in this game.
The Philadelphia Eagles appear to be suffering through a post-Super Bowl hangover, but they will be ready for this game. Look for Wentz and the Eagles offense to have a huge night in this game, and for them to beat the Giants by more than a touchdown. Bet the Philadelphia Eagles -3.0 over the Giants.
