Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants: Week 6 game prediction
By Erik Lambert
The Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants matchup for Thursday Night in week 6 may be between two losing teams, but don’t say it isn’t compelling.
It’s never a boring day when these two teams get together. The games are always hard-fought, close and tend to decide the fate of the NFC East. It was the truth last year when they battled in two epic games. There’s no reason to think this one will be any different. It’s a matter of figuring out who will come out on top. Believe it or not, it might not be as simple as people think. Not with the way the defending champions are playing of late.
Storylines
Resurrecting a dormant ground game – Both teams come into the game having exhibited problems running the football so far this season. The Giants, despite drafting Saquon Barkley 2nd overall, rank 28th in the league in rushing. The Eagles are 16th and they just lost their best running back for the season to injury. This game may come down to which one is able to find some room on the ground.
Seizing a final opportunity – The good fortune for these two teams, both of whom have losing records, is that the NFC East is proving to be a bad division in 2018. Neither the Dallas Cowboys nor Washington Redskins have winning records either. That means, despite all the setbacks to this point, there is a still a window of opportunity to go get the crown. Such things often need a big divisional win to kickstart it.
Injuries
Lane Johnson and Jay Ajayi – As mentioned above, the Eagles just lost Ajayi for the season to a torn ACL. He was their best, most reliable running back. Matters were made even more complicated when it became known star right tackle Lane Johnson is dealing with an injury of his own, having hurt his ankle. While he is expected to give it a go, Philly’s offense is far from 100%.
Evan Engram – The Giants haven’t been immune to their own losses on offense as well. Engram has struggled to get going to start this year and matters were made worse when he sprained his MCL last week. This leaves an already erratic passing game without one of its more dangerous weapons. Not ideal against what is still a good defense.
Key matchups
Jalen Mills vs. Odell Beckham Jr. – Teams have been picking on Eagles cornerback Jalen Mills all year. He’s allowed 25 catches for 385 yards and a touchdown to this point for a 117.0 passer rating. In other words, QBs shouldn’t be afraid to throw his way. If the Giants can get star receiver Odell Beckham matched up on him, it could be a productive evening.
Zach Ertz vs. Landon Collins – The best defender by far on the Giants roster is safety Landon Collins. He’s been everywhere this year. If they’re smart, they’ll have him anywhere that Eagles tight end Zach Ertz goes tonight. He’s the only one besides a cornerback who can match up with the Pro Bowler in coverage. Otherwise, the Eagles will threaten to own the middle of the field.
X-factors
Olivier Vernon (NYG) – The Giants pass rush has been almost non-existent through the first five weeks and it’s a big reason they’re 1-4. The return of Olivier Vernon from injury could be a huge boost to their hopes. He’s by far the most proven pass rusher they have after trading Jason Pierre-Paul and can pull some of the attention away from other teammates.
Nelson Agholor (PHI) – The Eagles have tried to get Agholor going this year but it’s been a struggle to this point. He’s had success against the Giants in the past though. He might be somebody who can help create some big plays for Carson Wentz and keep drives going with 1st downs. He should what with so much attention going to Ertz and Alshon Jeffery.
Pick: Eagles win 26-23
Philadelphia needed two last-second performances to beat New York last year including a 60+ field goal. That was with a team that went 13-3 last year and won the Super Bowl. It’s clear they aren’t the same team this year. Sure the Giants aren’t all that better from a season ago but they’re at home and rivalry games tend to be different. Manning tends to save his best for this one. Yet in spite of all that Philly will find a way to survive.