Ah, the NFC East. The greatest and most dominant division in football history. The toughest division in football this year belongs to its rightful position with the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants once again at the forefront. The underlying truth is this: football is better when the Eagles and Giants are good and at each other’s throats.
While New York is in the middle of an impressive turnaround season under new coaching, they are now fighting for their playoff lives while being winless in their last three games. A tie against Washington helps for the near future, but the Giants will need to get back in the win column soon.
For the Eagles, 11-1 has bought them some breathing room, but barely. The Vikings and Cowboys are on their heels and beating teams above .500 will only help their chances of taking the top seed in the NFC playoffs.
We have everything you need to know about the G-Men here.
New York Giants (7-4-1)
Last Game: 20-20 tie to the Washington Commanders
Offensive Ranking: 22nd
Defensive Ranking: 23rd
Head-to-Head Matchup: Philadelphia leads the all-time series 89-87-2
New York Giants Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Brian Daboll
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Kafka
Defensive Coordinator: Wink Martindale
Special Teams Coordinator: Thomas McGaughey
Offense
New York is multi-layered on offense. First, their OL, while having some nice pieces, has been a major problem for the G-Men, specifically on the interior. With three additional injuries on the Giants to look at, that’s a group that could be in major trouble on Sunday.
While the Giants receiving core has been atrocious all season, there are still some playmakers. Darius Slayton has been superb since getting more touches and Daniel Jones is playing the best football of his career.
The key to the Giants’ offense though, much like the Titans last week, is Saquon Barkley. Stop Barkley, and you stop a major part of what the Giants want to do offensively.
Defense
The Giants may have issues in regard to their defensive injuries, but this is still a talented and frustrating group to play against. Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams are two of the best defensive tackles the Eagles will face this season, and Kayvon Thibodeaux can cause a bevy of problems.
If the Eagles’ offensive line holds up though, they should have success through the air. Jordan Love is a very good starting safety but the Giants have struggled without Xavier McKinney. Fabian Moreau against either of AJ Brown or DeVonta Smith will be a mismatch to exploit.
Injuries
DNP: OL Joshua Ezeudu (neck), CB Adoree’ Jackson (knee), OL Shane Lemieux (toe), DE Leonard Williams (neck)
LP: CB Darnay Holmes (shoulder), WR Richie James Jr. (knee), DB Nick McCloud (hamstring), DL Henry Mondeaux (knee)
X-Factor: Saquon Barkley
It really is that simple. Daniel Jones is playing the best football of his life right now, but if the Eagles make the Giants one-dimensional, they should win. Barkley is the key. When he’s healthy, he’s given Philadelphia fits with his cutback ability and speed. If the Eagles are to win, and keep pace with the Vikings and Cowboys, stopping Saquon Barkley will be the top key for them.
AP Photo/Matt Slocum
