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#3 Philadelphia Eagles (2-3) at New York Giants (1-4) (TNF)
NFC East is a hot mess right now. Even with a 1-4 record, if Giants win on Thursday they could still be in the conversation of winning the division. The only way any team will be in the postseason is by winning the division no other team will have an opportunity to be even considered for the Wildcard berth in the loaded NFC. That's why this game this early is key for both the teams.
Giants, if they don't win on Thursday, could very well prepare for the next season.
Unsettled Eagles, Distractions Giants
Eagles are not what everyone expected them to be. Injuries have derailed their season. Eagles defence though are 10th in yards per game allowed, they are still not that dominant unit that all expected them to be. A struggling Marcus Mariota put up almost nearly 350 yards against the up and down Eagles Defense.
Eagles lost another close battle last week against the Vikings in last year's NFC Championship game. They even lost Jay Ajayi for the season due to a torn ACL in that game. With Ajayi out, reports surfaced that the Eagles are trying to trade for their former Running back LeSean McCoy from the Bills. Meanwhile, it will be Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement, who is expected to be back from his own injury, to help out Carson Wentz and rest of the offence to take the early lead.
Eagles will get their shot to redeem themselves after two straight narrow losses against an equally struggling Giants team who for some reason are not able to find Wins despite having dynamic playmakers in their offence. A team with a young top shelf rookie of the year candidate Running Back Saquon Barkley and a dynamic WR in Odell Beckham Jr should be able to win games in a consistent manner. But, the distractions aren't helping the team in any way.
During his interview with ESPN, OBJ threw Eli Manning under the bus for the Giants struggles and rightfully so. When asked if there was an issue at the quarterback OBJ replied, "I don't know." These kind of distractions are the last thing that Giants need this season. If Giants lose this game again because of inept quarterback play maybe it is time to look for the future in that position in New York.
Speaking of distractions, Sterling Shepard threw tantrum in the sideline last week. I think OBJ had some kind of influence on this team, Good or Bad.
Giants defence isn't that bad this year, they are 12th in Yards per game allowed, but 19th in points allowed. If the offence doesn't turn the ball over that much, they have a chance to win this game and still be relevant in the NFC East race this year. If not, they could be an eye for the number 1 overall pick in next year's draft. Ed Oliver would love to be the face of the franchise for a New York team.
Fantasy Outlook
Must Start:
Odell Beckham Jr, WR Giants: Eagles give up fourth-most points to WR position and OBJ has started to be back to his old self. Oh, and he is throwing Touchdowns as well. Bonus points!
Jake Elliot, K Eagles: Giants give up most points to the Kicker position and Jake Elliot is good.
Under the Radar:
Wendell Smallwood, RB Eagles: With Ajayi out for the season, its Smallwood time in Philly. With Clement and Sproles handling their own injuries, Smallwood should get more touches.
Eagles Defense: Giants give up 7th most points to Defenses, not surprising by looking at their 1-4 record.
Caution:
Zach Ertz, TE Eagles: Giants defence has been exceptional against TEs this season, granted they didn't face any premier Tight Ends like Ertz, but still it is something needed to be monitored.
Alshon Jeffery, WR Eagles: Giants gave up 100 yards to a receiver once, to Will Fuller and the next best 86 yards in the same game to DeAndre Hopkins. They rank 2nd in points given to WRs and all the Eagles WR struggled big time this season and needs to be on the bench for this game.
Prediction
No NFC East team has won the division back to back years since Eagles did it in 2003 and 2004. It looks like the tradition is going to continue this year as well. Eagles are pretty banged up on offence to put up any yards or points. This is the game for the Giants to prove they are relevant and after a very close 63-yard kick loss on Sunday against the Panthers, Giants will win the game in New York this week, or else It will be Ed Oliver era in New York from 2019, unless they go with Drew Lock with number 1 overall. That would be typical Giants.
Giants 20, Eagles 17
