The Eagles (5-9), after a tough fourth-quarter loss to the Baltimore Ravens, look to end a five-game losing streak in Week 16 against the New York Giants (10-4).
The Giants will clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2011 with a win over the Eagles. They are currently two games ahead of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Green Bay Packers – both with an 8-6 record.
The Eagles come off a short week to play the Giants on Thursday night.
Kickoff is set for 8:25 p.m.
Quarterbacks
| Philadelphia Eagles (5-9) | New York Giants (10-4) | ||
| 11 Carson Wentz | Stats: 3,385 YD, 13 TD, 12 INT | 10 Eli Manning | Stats: 3,491 YD, 25 TD, 13 INT |
Eli Manning and the Giants are coming off a two-game winning streak, and are looking to lock up a wildcard spot. However, Manning has not played particularly well, only throwing for three touchdowns and 388 yards during that time.
Carson Wentz and the Eagles look to end a five-game losing streak in Week 16 against the Giants. The Eagles rookie QB has been struggling lately, but will have to try to rally his team and fight against a division rival.
Running Backs
| Philadelphia Eagles (5-9) | New York Giants (10-4) | ||
| 24 Ryan Matthews | Stats: 137 Att, 615 YD, 8 TD | 23 Rashad Jennings | Stats: 154 Att, 497 YD, 2 TD |
The Giants, only averaging 81.2 rushing yards per game led by Rashad Jennings, have been fairly unsuccessful this season. The Eagles allow 104.9 rushing yards per game, which leaves some room for Jennings. With Shane Vereen injured again, Paul Perkins will receive some extra work. The rookie carried the ball 11 times for 56 yards last week against the Lions.
Ryan Matthews, who returned from injury in Week 14, will take the majority of carries. Also note that Darren Sproles has been cleared to play after participating in concussion protocol this week. Kenjon Barner is out with a hamstring injury. The Eagles, who have struggled all season with injuries, hope to find room to run against a recently hot Giants defense.
Wide Receivers
| Philadelphia Eagles (5-9) | New York Giants (10-4) | ||
| 81 Jordan Matthews | Stats: 71 Rec, 792 YD, 3 TD | 13 Odell Beckham Jr. | Stats: 85 Rec, 1,173 YD, 10 TD |
| 86 Zach Ertz | 63 Rec, 644 YD, 2 TD | 87 Sterling Shepard | Stats: 55 Rec, 592 YD, 7 TD |
The Giants receiving team is led by undoubtedly the best receiver in this particular matchup: Odell Beckham Jr. Watch for Beckham to take advantage of a relatively flimsy Eagles secondary.
The Eagles are led by a team effort from Jordan Matthews and tight end Zach Ertz. Darren Sproles surprisingly places third in targets for the team. The Eagles need to find a way to motivate Dorial Green-Beckham, who has extravagant potential, but a feeble heart on the field. The Eagles need to get him involved in red zone offense, which has struggled all season.
Defense
| Philadelphia Eagles (5-9) | New York Giants (10-4) | ||
| 91 Fletcher Cox | Stats: 37 Tackles, 6.5 Sacks, 1 FF | 54 Olivier Vernon | Stats: 59 Tackles, 8.5 Sacks, 1 FF |
| 58 Jordan Hicks | Stats: 73 Tackles, 1.0 Sacks | 21 Landon Collins | Stats: 108 Tackles, 3.0 Sacks |
The Giants defense, led by coordinator Steve Spagnuola, has been extremely efficient during the team's winning streak. They are actively disrupting the passing game with great pass rush from Olivier Vernon. The Eagles offensive line will need to be strong to protect Wentz from a pass rush with momentum.
The Eagles defense has been struggling this season. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will look to be more creative this week to force Manning to get rid of the ball quicker. The pass rushing team, led by Fletcher Cox, will have to apply pressure to Manning as they did on Sunday to Joe Flacco. A lack of pass rush has hurt the team's secondary, which is equally struggling.
Matchup to Watch
Watch for Eagles tackle Lane Johnson, coming back from his 10-game suspension, to lead the Eagles struggling offensive line. Johnson will face Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon — the sack leader for the Giants with 8.5 sacks on the season. Johnson will need to be 100 percent quickly to stop the pressure.
Injury Report
|
Philadelphia Eagles (5-9) |
New York Giants (10-4) |
||||
|
OL Allen Barbre |
Hamstring |
Questionable |
S Nat Berhe |
Concussion |
Out |
|
WR Jordan Matthews |
Ankle |
Questionable |
DE Jason Pierre-Paul |
Core Muscle |
Out |
|
G Isaac Seumalo |
Ankle |
Questionable |
LB Jonathan Casillas |
Knee |
Questionable |
|
T Halapoulivaati Vaitai |
Knee |
Questionable |
CB Janoris Jenkins |
Back |
Questionable |
Game Notes
- The Eagles have won five of their last seven home games against the Giants.
- Prior to their loss in New York earlier this season, the Eagles had won four straight games against the Giants.
- The Eagles lead the NFL in time of possession (32:29) and second-half time of possession (17:07).
Where to Watch
TV: NBC/NFL Network (Mike Tirico, Cris Collingsworth, Heather Cox)
Radio: 94 Sportsradio WIP (Merrill Reese, Mike Quick, Howard Eskin)
