Eagles at Giants: Preview, Predictions, and More

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants

In Week 9, the Philadelphia Eagles will play the New York Giants in a huge NFC East matchup. Philadelphia comes off of a disappointing overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8. This will be the third team in a row they have played that is coming off of their bye. They have split their last two games, but have lost three of their last four.

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Eagles rookie quarterback Carson Wentz has been solid so far in 2016 and Week 8 was no different. He threw short all game, but he took what the defense was giving him. He also had no help from his receivers, who dropped six passes.

Wentz will be going against a Giants defense that added some key pieces to the puzzle through free agency this offseason. New York has had an up and down year, just like the Eagles. However, they have won their last two games and are looking to take a secure spot as the No. 2 team in the division. Eli Manning hasn’t played at an elite level, but he has a favorable matchup against the Eagles cornerbacks.

It may only be Week 9, but this is a crucial game for both teams if they want to make the playoffs.

Eagles Keys To Victory

Get pressure on Eli Manning: Manning has had a down year and has been inaccurate all season. The Eagles defense needs to get after him and make sure he doesn’t dial in against their questionable cornerbacks.

Contain Odell Beckham Jr.: Beckham Jr. is a real talent at wide receiver and I’ve already stated how poor the Eagles cornerbacks are. Philly needs to somehow contain Beckham Jr., because he could have a big day if they don’t.

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Let Wentz be a gunslinger: Last week, the Eagles offense had no vertical passing game. This week, they need to let Wentz showcase his elite arm talent and be aggressive throwing the football.

Giants Keys To Victory

Protect Eli Manning: Philly got after Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott last week, so the Giants need to protect their guy.

Take shots (to Odell Beckham Jr.): Teams have been able to hit some deep passes against the Eagles this year and the Giants need to take advantage of that. Last week, the Eagles were a good pass from Prescott away from losing in regulation when Dez Bryant ran a post and was wide open.

Respect Wentz’s game: Yeah, he did not throw a deep pass last week, but he has the ability to do so. Janoris Jenkins loves to jump short routes, but he needs to respect the fact that Wentz could hit him with a pump fake and sling it for a deep touchdown. He may be a rookie, but they need to prepare for Wentz like he is a seasoned veteran.

Odds

Point Spread: New York -2.5
Moneyline: Philadelphia +115, New York -135
Over/Under: 43

Prediction

After back-to-back weeks of playing well, the Eagles have shown they are a solid football team. New York may have won two straight games, but Philadelphia has the better defense. Even though Beckham Jr. will have a big game, Wentz and the Eagles get a big win to secure second place in the NFC East.

Pick: Philadelphia Eagles: 24, New York Giants: 21

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