Preview: Eagles look to secure home field advantage in regular season finale vs. Giants
It all comes down to this. The Philadelphia Eagles (13-3) will host the New York Giants (9-6-1) this Sunday as they look to secure home field advantage for the postseason and the NFC East crown.
For New York, this Week 18 contest will have no implications on their playoff seeding. They’re locked in at the sixth seed. Though head coach Brian Daboll hinted that his starters may suit up for this meaningless game, reports throughout the week have indicated otherwise.
Several key starters, including QB Daniel Jones, are expected to sit out for the regular season finale.
In regards to the Eagles, this game means everything.
With a win, they’ll clinch the one seed in the NFC and the NFC East title. If they somehow lose to the Giants backups, they’ll drop all the way down to the fifth seed and be forced to travel for their first playoff game.
The team looks to be relatively healthy heading into Week 18 as well. QB Jalen Hurts was listed as questionable after this week of practice, but reports surfaced Saturday indicating QB1 will start for the Birds on Sunday.
Not only will the Eagles have their leader back under center, they’re going to get some reinforcements on the defensive side of the ball as well. Both CJ Gardner-Johnson and Robert Quinn have been officially activated from the injured reserve. Both are expected to play in Week 18.
Eagles injury report:
- LB Shaun Bradley (wrist) – OUT
- T Lane Johnson (groin) – OUT
- CB Avonte Maddox (toe) – OUT
- DE Janarius Robinson (ankle) – OUT
- DE Josh Sweat (neck) – OUT
Eagles can make history in Week 18
The Birds can etch their name into NFL history books this week against the Giants.
Defensively, Jonathan Gannon’s group has racked up an astounding 68 sacks as a team this year – the most in the league by a wide margin. If they manage to add five to their total on Sunday, they’ll eclipse the ’84 Chicago Bears’ single-season record for most sacks in a season at 72.
On the offensive side of the ball, WR DeVonta Smith is just one reception away from making franchise history. He currently has 88 catches on the year, which is tied with Irving Fryar for the most receptions in a single-season by any wideout in Eagles history.
The 2022 Eagles have already set numerous franchise and league records this season. It would be fitting for them to end the season setting a few more.
Betting Lines
| TEAM | SPREAD | MONEY | TOTAL |
| Philadelphia Eagles | -14.5 (-110) | -850 | O 43 (-110) |
| New York Giants | +14.5 (-110) | +600 | U 43 (-110) |
All odds provide by DraftKings Sportsbook
Prediction
There’s simply no way this team loses to the practice squad Giants on Sunday – especially with Jalen Hurts back under center. The team knows what’s at stake.
After losing back-to-back games, expect Philadelphia to come out firing against New York. Ideally, the game is well in-hand by the start of the fourth quarter and the Eagles will be able to rest some of their key guys.
For my final score prediction, I’m going with an Eagles win, 38-10.
Go Birds!
Listen to the most recent episode of Grease the Poles
Eagles vs. Giants Game Preview, NFL Ponders Alternatives for Playoff Seeding – Grease the Poles
Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Eagles
