The Philadelphia Eagles are set to host the New York Giants this Sunday for the final game of the regular season, marking Week 18 of the NFL schedule. While the stakes are high for the Giants, who are desperate to avoid ending their tumultuous year on an embarrassing note, the Eagles, already clinching the No. 2 seed in the NFC, are prioritizing rest for many of their star players.
This matchup at Lincoln Financial Field means vastly different things to both franchises. The Eagles, with their commanding record of 13-3, head coach Nick Sirianni made it clear early on this week: resting key starters is non-negotiable. The Eagles have already secured their playoff spot and want to preserve their players' health going forward. Particularly notable is the absence of quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was ruled out as he continues to progress through concussion protocol.
Star players such as running back Saquon Barkley, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, as well as several offensive linemen, will also be sidelined this week. The list of inactive players for the Eagles reads like the who's who of their season’s standout performers: Jalen Hurts, Darius Slay, DeVonta Smith, A.J. Brown, Saquon Barkley, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata among others.
“We’re going to rest some guys. There are going to be some guys...in reserve roles,” Sirianni stated, emphasizing the team’s need to maintain health heading toward the playoffs.
On the flip side, the New York Giants come limping to Philadelphia with a disappointing record of 3-13, hoping to avoid their 11th consecutive loss at Lincoln Financial Field. The team is experimenting with different lineups and strategies, underlined by their recent 45-33 win over the Indianapolis Colts. That game ended their shocking 10-game losing streak, providing some semblance of hope and momentum as they face their division rivals. Quarterback Drew Lock is expected to start, tasked with the challenge of building on his solid performance last week.
The competition is not just about pride for the Giants; there are serious ramifications for their roster moving forward. Some fans are debating whether the potential victory against the Eagles might jeopardize their chances of securing a top draft pick, especially as they eye future franchise quarterbacks. A win could potentially sacrifice their position and overlook any future plays during the offseason.
“A win against the Eagles could drop them several spots in the NFL Draft,” analysts have pointed out, highlighting the conundrum faced by the Giants’ organization as they navigate how to approach this game versus their long-term prospects.
Unfortunately for the Giants, shorthanded is the name of the game. Their list of inactive players due to injury includes running back Dante Miller, cornerbacks Greg Stroman and Dee Williams, inside linebacker Micah McFadden, center John Michael Schmitz, and tackle Evan Neal, all declared unfit on Friday. They received the unfortunate news days before their trip to Philadelphia, which hampers their ability to field a competitive team.
It currently appears the Eagles are focused on self-preservation as they prepare for the postseason battle. Fan sentiment around Philadelphia is acute, as many look forward to the playoffs and the opportunity to redeem themselves after last year’s abrupt exit.
The Giants, meanwhile, remain puzzled and searching for solutions. The disarray of the past few months gives fans and analysts pause, wondering what the offseason holds for the team and if they can turn things around before next year. With doubts swirling and players requiring rest before the playoff push, their meeting with the Giants should provide plenty of intrigue on Sunday.
The Eagles will be observing how their young and reserve players perform amid this strategic decision-making. Tanner McKee will see the first significant playing time of his career at quarterback with Hurts ruled out and Kenny Pickett questionable due to injury. It’s not just about the game itself; this match also serves as ground zero for evaluating the team’s depth and readiness for the challenge of playoff football.
This chaotic finale holds promises of tension, excitement, and motivation—as the Giants and Eagles each find their own meanings within this final regular season face-off. Both teams possess aspirations with diverging narratives as they approach the close of this year's campaign.