Simulation Picks
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Expert Picks
I know I'm getting a bad number here, but I still like the Eagles to take care of business at home with Lane Johnson and Darren Sproles returning to action. Look for the Philadelphia defense and running game to make things much easier on Carson Wentz tonight. Eagles win this one at home.
Lane Johnson and Darren Sproles are back to boost the Philly offense, and the weather won't be a factor, but I'm going Under based on a staunch Giants' defense and an Eagles' defense that plays much better at home. New York's methodical pace has helped the Under cash in six straight Giants games. The Under also has hit in the last six meetings in Philly. Let's make it seven.
I'm going to go ahead and hop on the Eagles tonight. The return of Lane Johnson should help a great deal, as it improves the line at two spots: solidifying right tackle, which has been a turnstile for Philly, and left guard, where Allen Barbre moves back to with Johnson back. Darren Sproles is also returning, giving the offense another boost. The Eagles' front seven is capable of giving the Giants' O-line issues, and consistent pressure will help the Eagles' secondary from getting beat deep throughout the game. Throw in Janoris Jenkins' injury, and Philly has what it takes to win outright at home.
These two teams are far better defensively than on offense, as they both rank in the top six in defensive DVOA but in the 20s on the other side of the ball. While Odell Beckham does have breakout potential against a bad Eagles secondary, the Philadelphia pass rush should have a good day against the Giants' offensive line. The return of Lane Johnson on the right side of their offensive line helps, but I don't have faith that the Eagles can run up a high total on a short week. Eagles +3 is a good play if you can get it, but either way, I like the total to go Under for the seventh straight Giants game.
The Eagles have given up 27.8 points per game over their last five. The Giants have yielded a total of 13 points over their last two, quality wins over Dallas and Detroit. While Philly outgained New York in the first meeting by 141 yards (still lost 28-23) and gets tackle Lane Johnson back from suspension, I'll back Eli Manning to make plays when it counts. Rookie Carson Wentz has the NFL's second-worst fourth-quarter passer rating. Grab the G-Men before the line hits 3.
While I still have lukewarm feelings about the Giants' 27th-ranked offense that features no running game but has game-changer Odell Beckham waiting for the ball, I have started to get the feeling that the Giants' high-priced defense is the type that can go far in the playoffs. They allow only 17.9 ppg (6.5 ppg in last two), which is third-best in the league, and that's helped the Giants last six games stay Under the total and 11 of 14 overall. That's the way I'm going here. The forecast is calling for 11 mph winds,, which will make Carson Wentz even less effective.
The Eagles get a big boost offensively with the return of OL Lane Johnson. They were a great rushing team without him and will be even better with him. His return, however, doesn’t automatically mean Carson Wentz and the passing game will dramatically improve. This Giants defense will still find ways to get the job done with or without Janoris Jenkins. Lay the points with the 10-4 G-Men.
Philly has dropped five straight, but the Eagles have been very competitive in their last two -- close losses to Washington and Baltimore. The Giants typically don't blow anyone out, so I'll take the field goal in this divisional rivalry. My simulations show the Eagles covering 57 percent of the time and quite possibly winning outright.