Philadelphia vs. New York Prediction: Giants Host the Eagles for Key NFC East Matchup

Eagles boast NFL's best records, Giants looking to get back into the win column after last week's tie.

Author:
Matt Josephs (Mid Major Matt)
Publish date:
Dec 9, 2022

The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants are set for their first of two matchups this season when they face off in the Meadowlands on Sunday. Philadelphia has won 13 of their last 16 meetings, although they split last season's series with each team winning at home.

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The Giants won the first game last November in a 13-7 slog that saw very little offense on both sides and Jalen Hurts throw three interceptions. Hurts was much better almost a month later as Philly held serve at home 34-10 in a game that featured Mike Glennon and Jake Fromm under center for New York.

The Eagles (11-1) are coming into this game on a high note after an absolutely dominant showing in all phases of a 35-10 win over the Titans. They outgained Tennessee by more than 200 yards and had 26 first downs to just 11 for the road team. Hurts was 29-of-39 for 380 yards and three touchdowns passing in the victory with A.J. Brown being the recipient of two of those TDs. It was a revenge game for the former Titan who finished with eight receptions and 119 yards as well. Philly's maligned rush defense held Derrick Henry to just 30 yards on 11 carries as Ryan Tannehill was actually the leading rusher (34 yds.).

The Giants (7-4-1) would up tying Washington last Sunday as a 58-yard Graham Gano field goal landed just short in overtime as time expired. Daniel Jones threw for 200 yards and added another 71 on the ground on 12 carries. New York coughed up the lead with 1:45 left in regulation as Jahan Dotson scored from 28 yards out. The Giants were outgained by almost 100 yards and continued to settle for field goals in the red zone. New York's defense allowed Taylor Heinicke to have his second-best passing day of the season as well.

Philadelphia (11-1) at New York (7-4-1)

Kickoff: Sunday, Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Live Stream: fuboTV (Start your free trial)
Spread: Eagles -7
Tickets: As low as $110 on SITickets.com*

Three Things to Watch

1. Intangibles
The Eagles must continue to win to hang onto the NFC's No. 1 seed and lone bye with the Vikings (10-2) and Cowboys (9-3) close behind. Philadelphia is about to face three straight road games after playing three of the last four at home. Next up will be a trip to Chicago before a Christmas Eve afternoon matchup in Dallas against the Cowboys. Meanwhile, the Giants are in the middle of a stretch of four straight vs. NFC East opponents, as this contest is sandwiched in between two matchups with the Commanders. New York is staring at three of its final four games away from home after this one, so a win is absolutely needed if the Giants hope to stay in the playoff hunt.

2. How do you want to lose?
The Eagles have shown the last two weeks that taking half of their offense away doesn't prevent them from winning the game. Back in Week 12, they ran for 363 yards and three touchdowns in a shootout victory over the Packers. Jalen Hurts ran it 17 times for 157 yards while Miles Sanders added another 143 on the ground in the victory. Last week, Philly knew that it was going to struggle running it on Tennessee, so the Eagles threw it for nearly 400 yards in the victory. The Giants are 26th against the run and 18th against the pass, so we may see more of a balance from this offense.

3. Giant ground game
Daniel Jones tore the Eagles up in two games back in 2020 when he ran for 156 yards and a touchdown, although the highlight that we often see is him tripping in the red zone. Philly altered its strategy in 2021, keeping him to 30 rushing yards and 202 passing yards. The dual-threat signal-caller had plenty of success on the ground (12 att., 71 yds.) against the Commanders last week, so we'll see if he can keep that going. Unfortunately, Saquon Barkley has slowed down the last three games, totaling just 124 yards after he had 152 against the Texans on Nov. 13. The Eagles' defense clamped down on Henry last week, so we'll see how it goes this Sunday.

Final Analysis

It's always difficult in the NFC East, especially considering what's at stake. The Eagles want the No. 1 seed and have to keep winning to keep hold of it. Meanwhile, the Giants have gone three weeks without a victory and are staring at trips to Washington, Minnesota, and Philadelphia down the stretch, so a win is almost a must. Still, the Eagles are playing too well to slow down here. I think it's tight and lower scoring, but the top seed continues to win and moves to 12-1 on the season.