Philadelphia Eagles (2-3)
v.
New York Giants (1-4)
It s probably safe to assume that neither team is exactly where they wanted to be by this point in the season. The Giants, coming off a horrendous 3-13 campaign last season, expected to be better, simply because the constant issues with key injuries that plagued them throughout last season have not been there this year, at least so far. And last weekend's loss to Carolina was symbolic of how their season has gone thus far: there they were, fighting to win a tough game. They had done enough to stay in the game, and in a shootout, low and behold, the G-Men managed to score a touchdown in the final couple of minutes to go up, 31-30. It was the first time that New York had scored 30 points or more in about three years, the longest active such streak in the league. But it looked like they managed to feat just in the nick of time, and were about to pull off an upset in the process. And then, of course, Carolina managed to get into prayer field goal range, and to his credit, Graham Gato managed to pound a 63-yard field goal on the game's final play to win it for the Panthers.
Sigh.
The Eagles, meanwhile, are experiencing some serious stress levels, as well. Last season at this point, it was all "Fly, Eagles, Fly!" by this point, as the team got off to ta hot start that they never really did lose that momentum, ending the season tied for the best record in the league at 13-3 (which also happens to be a franchise best), and then winning one game after the other that they were underdogs in during the postseason. First, the Falcons, in a tight one. Then, the Vikings, in a blowout. And then, of course, the big one, in the Super Bowl against Bill Belichik, Tom Brady, and the mighty New England Patriots.
This season, by way of comparison, the Eagles flight plan has been largely grounded. They keep losing games to teams that you figure they will beat. A loss to Tampa Bay. A loss to Tennessee. Last weekend's home loss to the Vikings. They are learning just how much more difficult it is to be the defending champions, to stay on top, rather than simply reaching the mountaintop. Last weekend could have been a golden opportunity for them to take sole possession of first place in the division, but they lost, and gained no ground on either Dallas, a tram that they are tied with presently, or Washington, a team that they trail by half a game.
So, what to expect in this contest? Well, I think that the Giants are improving, at least. They are playing tough, and are overdue for another win. Of course, Philly is tough, they were champions for a reason. But with home field advantage, with the stigma of never scoring 30 points or more finally removed, and with a chance to surprisingly get back in the divisional race potentially with a win, the G-Men have every motivation to win, and really nothing to lose. Who expects them to do anything this year? So, I will go ahead and predict that m Giants will pull off a big upset against the Super Bowl champions tonight.
My prediction: N.Y. Giants
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