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In a game that was ultimately meaningless, the New York Giants held on to defeat their NFC East rivals, the Washington Redskins, 41-35, Sunday at FedEx Field. Rookie quarterback Daniel Jones had his best game of the year, throwing 28 of 42 for 352 yards, a career-high five touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Running back Saquon Barkley found his stride with 22 rushing attempts for a season-high 189 yards, one touchdown and four receptions for 90 yards with another TD.
Next week’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles however, is far from meaningless. With a win over the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, the Eagles control their own destiny: beat the Giants at MetLife Stadium and they are in the playoffs.
The Giants, per BetOnline, are predicted to be 4.5-point underdogs to the Eagles heading into the game.
The Eagles are riding a three-game winning streak that started when they defeated the Giants, 23-17, in overtime in Week 14. At 8-7, they clinch a playoff spot with a win or a Cowboys loss. But Dallas is playing the Redskins so ... The Cowboys are favorites to win that game by 10.5 points.
Philadelphia is ranked 15th in the league with 23.4 average points per game, 13th in total yards with 358.1, 12th in passing yards with 236.9 and 12th in rushing yards with 121.2.
The Giants, meanwhile, are 19th in average points per game (21.6), 23rd in total yards (334.6), 19th in passing yards (230.4) and 20th in rushing yards (104.2).
Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz continues to look better each week. He has 365 completions in 567 attempts for 3,750 yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Over the past four games, Wentz has thrown for at least 250 yards and he has nine TD’s in the past four games.
Tight end Zach Ertz leads the Eagles with 88 receptions for 916 yards and six touchdowns. Running back Miles Sanders leads the running game with 170 attempts for 766 yards and three touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball, strong safety Malcolm Jenkins leads the team with 72 total tackles and has also recorded 2.5 sacks.
Will the Giants be able to spoil the Eagles’ playoff hopes? After a close overtime loss three weeks ago between the two teams, an upset is perhaps more probable.