The playoff-bound New York Giants (9-6-1) will travel to Philadelphia to take on the NFC East-leading Eagles (13-3) in the regular season finale on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.
Not only are the Giants searching for their first win in Philadelphia since 2013, but they can also spoil the Eagles’ chances at the division title and the number one seed in the NFC playoffs.
However, with the Giants locked into the No. 6 seed of the playoffs, there’s a good chance some of the starters will rest or play sparingly on Sunday. This is why the Eagles are listed as two-touchdown favorites.
On Monday, Giants coach Brian Daboll was asked what his plan is for playing the starters.
“I’d say we’ll talk about it and do what’s best for the team. So, it’s early Monday. We’ll go out there and try to have a good week of practice, prepare like we normally do and decide what we want to do relative to who’s playing, who’s not playing. Whatever we think is best for our team, that’s what we’ll end up doing.”
Here are three bold predictions for the Giants in their season finale.
New York Giants defense will intercept Jalen Hurts at least twice
While there’s uncertainty on who will suit up for the New York Giants on Sunday, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to return after missing the last two games with a shoulder injury. But it seems that his shoulder injury is still lingering as he was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice.
Having not played in three weeks and having shoulder issues is never ideal for a quarterback. That is especially the case since the Eagles will be facing a New York Giants secondary that now has Xavier McKinney, and Adoree Jackson might make his long-awaited return from a sprained knee.
Even if the Giants sit McKinney and Jackson, look for the backups to intercept a rusty Hurts at least twice.
Kenny Golladay will score his first touchdown as a Giant
The Giants signing Kenny Golladay, 29, to a four-year, $72 million deal in March of 2021 might go down as one of the worst free agent signing in franchise history.
In two seasons, Golladay has just 41 receptions for 572 yards and zero touchdowns. Maybe his lack of production is due to the fact that he never fully recovered from his hip injury, or that he just wasn’t a good fit with Big Blue.
With Darius Slayton, Richie James and Isaiah Hodgins expected to rest for at least part of the game, Golladay should see the most playing time he’s had all season. Whether it’s Daniel Jones or Tyrod Taylor at QB, Golladay will shock fans and score his first touchdown as a Giant on Sunday.
Giants will pull off an upset and finally win in Philadelphia
While the outcome of the game has no barring for the New York Giants in terms of playoff position, all division games matter especially when you have a chance to end a dubious streak.
The Giants ended one such streak this season by ending their five-year span of at least 10 losses and in the process clinched their first playoff berth since 2016. Now they have a chance to win a game that has been the house of horrors for them over the past eight years.
In addition, the Giants are coming into this game on a wave of momentum having their most lopsided win last week against the Colts, whereas the Eagles are on a two-game losing streak.