2023 NFC Divisional Round: Giants at Eagles Expert Pick

2023 NFC Divisional Round: Giants at Eagles Expert Pick

2023 NFC DIVISIONAL ROUND: GIANTS AT EAGLES EXPERT PICK – The New York Giants will head to Lincoln Financial Field to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2023 NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs. Here’s what Giants fans can expect.

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Keys to Defeating the Eagles

Can the Giants Stop the Run?

The Eagles averaged 147 rushing yards per game on the season. They ran for over 250 yards in their first meeting against a hobbled Giants team, defeating them 48-22 in a frustrating loss for Giants fans.

In their second meeting, Giants head coach, Brian Daboll, rested all the Giants starters and Wink Martnidale’s defense allowed only 135 yards on the ground. The Giants still fell short in what was a meaningless game for them, 22-16. However, Eagles QB Jalen Hurts had 9 carries for 13 yards in their second meeting and looked uncomfortable for most of the game.

With the Giants front four healthy and ready to go, they should be more prepared and able to contain the Eagles’ powerful rushing attack.

Giants defense only allowed 61 rushing yards in their last game against the Vikings in the big time Wild Card win. New York ranks 17th in rushing defense. They will need to contain the Eagles’ ground game to stay close in this one.

Giants Secondary is Finally Healthy

In both games the Giants played against the Eagles this season, CB Adoree’ Jackson and FS Xavier McKinney were injured, but this Saturday will be much different.

Both players will be in the secondary against the Eagles this Saturday and will be ready to face AJ Brown and Devonta Smith.

Can they slow them down?

Jackson was brilliant last Sunday against Justin Jefferson, holding him to just 7 catches for 47 yards.

In AJ Brown’s last game against the Giants, New York’s secondary held him to 4 catches for 93 yards and zero touchdowns. Rookie CB Cor’Dale Flott held his own against Brown in that game, but they will need from their starters if they don’t want this one to get out of hand.

The Giants also held Eagles’ wideout, Davonte Smith, to 7 catches for 67 yards and zero touchdowns.

If the Giants are going to win, they need to contain these WRs.

Establish the Run

It’s no secret that the Giants have run the ball with a lot of success this year. They’re averaging over 160 rushing yards per game in their last 3 games.

If they get the run game going, their chances of pulling off the upset will be high. RB Saquon Barkley had a great game against the Vikings in last weekend’s Wild Card bout. He racked up a total of 100 yards from scrimmage and 2 touchdowns. He will need to be a game changer again if they expect to win.

Can the the Giants LB Core Step Up?

The Giants linebacker core was an obvious problem throughout the season, but can they stop the Eagles? The linebacker room ranked 25 for the season. Last weekend they were impressive, holding Dalvin Cook and the Vikings run game to only 61 yards.

I’m hoping Wink has figured some things out with this crew so that the linebackers don’t become a liability against this potent Eagles offense.

Game Prediction

This game will be an extremely tough battle between the two NFC East rivals.

If Daboll continues to improve his game script, and Win cane maximize his defense’s health, I could see the Giants pulling off the upset.

I have Giants winning this 2023 NFL Divisional Playoff matchup 24-20.

This will be the third time the two teams meet. It will be the first time the Giants will face the Eagles at full strength and it’s hard to imagine Brian Daboll wouldn’t have made any adjustments after those last two meetings.

Go Giants!

All odds courtesy of DraftKings as of 1/20/23. 

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