The Philadelphia Eagles travel to New York to take on the Giants to kick off week six of the NFL season. The game will be featured on Thursday Night Football and will be the first matchup between these division rivals this season. Both the Eagles and the Giants trail the Washington Redskins the NFC East division.
The Philadelphia Eagles were expected to be one of the top teams in the NFL again this season, but are off to just a 2-3 start. Philadelphia has lost the last two weeks to the Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings, but both losses have been close. The New York Giants bring a 1-4 record into this game after losing a heartbreaker to the Carolina Panthers in week five of the season. The Philadelphia Eagles are -3 over the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football.
Giants Defense Can’t Stop Run
The New York Giants defense has given up more than 25 points per game this season, and their biggest issue has been trying to stop the run. New York has given up over 124 rushing yards per game this season, and it has allowed opponents the ability to sustain drives. The Giants catch a break in this game as the Eagles don’t have a dominant run game. Look for the Giants defense to have better luck against the run in this matchup.
Giants wide receiver, Odell Beckham Jr. has recorded just one touchdown reception this season despite being targeted 59 times. The talented receiver has caught 39 passes for 462 yards, but opposing defenses are not letting him reach the end zone. Rookie running back Saquon Barkley has helped out in the passing game, hauling in 31 catches for 274 yards and two touchdowns this season. The Giants will need Eli Manning and the passing game to play well against the Eagles.
Ertz Remains Top Receiving Threat
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz is once again the top receiving threat on the team. Ertz has caught 41 passes already this season and has racked up 437 receiving yards and one touchdown. Ertz is one of six Eagles to have a receiving touchdown this season, and they have plenty of talent on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Carson Wentz has been solid this season, after suffering a torn ACL late in the season last year.
The Eagles have a top-10 defense in nearly every category but are especially stingy against the run. Philadelphia has given up just 66.4 rushing yards per game this season, and that should bode well against Saquon Barkley and the Giants running game. Fletcher Cox and Michael Bennett anchor a defensive line that is big and athletic, and should play a huge role in this game.
Eagles Run Over Giants
Both the Giants and Eagles have struggled in the early going this season, and both teams are hungry for a win. The Giants played better in week five, but still can’t get enough stops on defense to win games. The Eagles have battled injuries all season long, but have too much talent to continue this slide. Look for Philadelphia to snap out of their skid in a big way against the New York Giants. Bet the Philadelphia Eagles -3 over the New York Giants on Thursday.
