Giants vs Eagles NFL Divisional Round: odds and predictions: Who is the favorite?
It’s the third time these two teams will meet this year, with the Eagles having won the previous two encounters. Yet, the stakes have never been higher
The Giants come to Philly hoping to avoid a season sweep, but it’s quite likely they won’t even have that in mind as there are far bigger things on the line in Saturday’s game.
It’s the third time these two teams will meet this year, with the Eagles having won the previous two encounters. Yet, the stakes have never been higher with a spot in the NFC Championship Game at risk.
Giants vs Eagles: The Lay of the Land
When the New York Giants visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday in the Divisional Round of the 2022-23 NFL Playoffs, it’s going to be all about the rushing game. Indeed, as two of the top rushing offenses in the league, we can expect the ground game to be buzzing this weekend. Where the Giants are concerned, they finished the regular season with a record of 10-7-1 and were fourth overall in the NFL in rushing with 148.2 yards per game. The Eagles, on the other hand, finished up with an impressive 14-3 and funnily enough, were tucked in just behind New York on the rushing list in fifth with 147.6 yards per game. Yet, it’s worth noting that Philadelphia led the league in rushing touchdowns with 32, eight more than second-place Dallas and 11 more than New York who was in fourth. With the Cowboys awaiting the winner in the NFC Championship Game, there is no margin for error now. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET.
Related: What happened in the last regular season game between the Giants, Eagles?
The Eagles have history on their side and Devonta Smith
Though it’s clear that a game is always played on the day, the reality is that Lincoln Financial Field has not been a happy hunting ground for the Giants over the last decade. Having won the last nine games against the Giants when playing in Philadelphia, it would be fair to say the Eagles have dominated New York. Indeed, the average score of 26-15 in those games only serves to punctuate the point. To be clear, the Giants haven’t won in Philly since a Week 8 encounter way back in 2013.
History aside, there’s also the question of DeVonta Smith. In the last six games, Smith has had at least five receptions and 60 receiving yards which is the longest streak in franchise history since the 1950 season. The former Heisman Trophy winner wrapped up the regular season with 95 receptions for 1,196 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns, all of which were career-highs.
Jalen Hurts’ struggles will help the Giants and so will Saquon Barkley
There is no way around it. Saquon Barkley is one of, if not the best running back in the league. Now in his fifth year, Barkley was ranked fourth in the league during the regular season with 1,312 rushing yards and fifth in yards from scrimmage with 1,650. Just last week, he racked up an impressive 109 yards from scrimmage in the Wild Card win over the Minnesota Vikings, as well as two touchdowns.
Interestingly, there is also another factor that can benefit the Giants, though it has nothing to do with who’s on their roster. That’s to say, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is still struggling with his right shoulder. Prior to injuring his shoulder back in Week 15 against the Bears, Hurts was a shoo-in for the NFL’s MVP Award. Consider for a moment that he ended the season with 3,701 passing yards and 22 touchdown passes, while also rushing for 760 yards and 13 more scores. On the other hand, the Eagles’ signal caller did miss two weeks of the season and when he finally did return in Week 18′s season ender, he was terrible. The Giants will need to take advantage of that fact.
Giants vs Eagles: The Odds
| Categories | New York Giants | Philadelphia Eagles |
|---|---|---|
| Picks | +7.5 (-110) | -7.5 (-110) |
| Moneyline | +285 | -365 |
| Over/Under Points Total | u48 (-110) | o48 (-110) |
Giants vs Eagles: The Prediction
There are a few things to consider in this one. Firstly, the Giants are a much better team now than when they were destroyed 48-22 by the Eagles back in December. Add to that, the fact that Hurts will most likely not be at his best as he continues to recover from a right shoulder sprain, and quite frankly, we’ve got a pretty even contest. Yet, it’s got to be said that the Eagles are the top seed for a reason. In that sense, Philly is better - if even not by much - in just about every area of the field. Yes, Saquon Barkley is going to be a handful for the Eagles’ defense, but by that same token, what will New York do about Hurts, Smith, and Co. Despite the fact that we think this one could be close, we’re going with a 27-21 Eagles win.