New York Giants Seek Upset, Philadelphia Eagles Eye Playoff Positioning
New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Can the Giants Spoil the Eagles’ Playoff Hopes in Week 18?
The 2024 NFL season draws to a close with an NFC East showdown between the New York Giants (3-13) and the Philadelphia Eagles (13-3) at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday afternoon. This game may hold little impact for the Eagles, who have already secured their playoff berth, but the Giants, fresh off a much-needed win, are determined to close out the season on a positive note. Philadelphia, already the No. 2 seed in the NFC, won the first meeting of the season 28-3 in Week 7 and enters as 3-point home favorites in this Week 18 clash.
Giants Looking to Build on Week 17 Win
After an incredibly frustrating stretch that saw them drop 10 consecutive games, the New York Giants managed to finally break free from their slump in Week 17. With a 45-33 win over the Indianapolis Colts, the Giants ended their franchise-record losing streak and gave their fans something to celebrate. The win came as 7.5-point home underdogs and marked their first home victory of the season.
Quarterback Drew Lock, who has had an up-and-down year, threw for 309 yards and four touchdowns against the Colts, including a 1-yard rushing touchdown. Lock’s performance was critical to the Giants’ victory, as the offense exploded for 45 points, their highest output of the season. However, Lock’s season stats remain modest—933 passing yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions in four starts and three relief appearances, with a completion rate of just 55.9%.
Meanwhile, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers continued his standout season, posting seven catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns. Nabers has been one of the few bright spots for the Giants this year, racking up 104 receptions and 1,140 receiving yards, along with six touchdowns. Fellow rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. has also impressed, accumulating 1,057 yards from scrimmage and six scores.
Despite the victory, the Giants continue to struggle offensively, averaging just 16.3 points per game (31st in the NFL). Their defense has also been leaky, allowing 24.7 points per game, ranking 23rd. The focus for New York will be trying to build momentum for next season while potentially playing the role of spoiler.
Eagles Focused on Playoff Prep with Star Players Resting
For the Philadelphia Eagles, Week 18 is about preparation for the postseason. After suffering their first loss in 11 games, a heartbreaking 36-33 defeat to the Washington Commanders in Week 16, the Eagles bounced back in impressive fashion last Sunday. They dominated the Dallas Cowboys 41-7 at home, covering the 7.5-point spread and asserting their dominance as one of the NFC’s top teams.
Philadelphia’s offense was firing on all cylinders in the win, outgaining Dallas 376-268 in total yards and winning the turnover battle 4-0. Running back Saquon Barkley was a key contributor, carrying the ball 31 times for 167 yards. However, with Barkley just 101 yards away from breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record (2,105 yards set in 1984), it is likely that the Eagles will rest him in the regular-season finale to ensure he’s healthy for the playoffs.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is nursing a concussion, is also expected to be sidelined for this game. In Hurts’ absence, backup quarterback Kenny Pickett will make his first start of the season. Pickett, who went 10-of-15 for 143 yards and a touchdown in the Cowboys game before leaving with a rib injury, will be looking to show the Eagles’ coaching staff what he can do in a starting role.
If Pickett is unavailable, rookie Tanner McKee will get the start under center. McKee made his NFL debut last week, throwing for 54 yards and two touchdowns. The Eagles’ focus will be more on getting McKee valuable playing time rather than risking injury to key players.
Conclusion
With little at stake for the Philadelphia Eagles, they are expected to rest some of their key players as they prepare for the playoffs. On the other hand, the New York Giants are aiming to finish the season strong and possibly spoil the Eagles’ momentum. However, even with the changes, Philadelphia has too much talent and depth to lose this game. Expect the Eagles to handle the Giants comfortably and finish their season with a 14-3 record.
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