The New York Giants (10-7-1) and Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) will face off in a divisional-round playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Saturday night. The Giants started the week as 7-point road underdogs, but that number has since risen to +7.5 as of this writing.
With this matchup on the horizon, Giants Wire took advantage of the opportunity to interview Eagles Wire managing editor Glenn Erby. According to Erby, “The Eagles are all business heading into Saturday night, and a team riddled with injuries and key positions is simply hoping to reestablish chemistry and offensive efficiency. In the NFL, winning consecutive games is extremely difficult, and beating a team three times in the same season or calendar year is nearly impossible. So, no, Philadelphia isn’t laughing going into this game, and they’re even more focused now that the dancing practice sessions have gone viral.”
When asked about the intensity and energy at Lincoln Financial Field, Erby said, “Yes, when it comes to energy and intensity, Lincoln Financial Field will be on another level. The city has been buzzing for days, the game pits the Eagles against an NFC rival, and a win would send the Eagles to the NFC Championship game. I’d anticipate an even more hostile atmosphere than usual.”
Erby was also questioned about Eagles Coach Sirianni’s Pizza Hut remark. He stated, “When I want a traditional chain slice, I go to Pizza Hut, so I think coach Sirianni was just being overly honest, as he always is. Now, if the Eagles win the Super Bowl, the name drop could land him a Pizza Hut sponsorship, but I think he was just being his normal, “college-like” self.”
When asked about Eagles quarterback Nick Foles’ injury, Erby said, “Hurts is still in pain, but he’s willing to play through it. He admitted that he was still sore days after the Week 18 game, but he was grateful for Philadelphia earning the bye and No. 1 overall seed after the Week 18 win. Hurts won’t be running as many designed runs, but he’s fully prepared for contact on his throwing shoulder.”
Finally, Erby predicted the outcome of the game “The Giants are a confident team after their Wild Card victory over the Vikings, but Philadelphia knows they dominated Minnesota and New York (NFC) during the regular season when it mattered. The Giants will deliver an early punch that the Eagles will be able to withstand, and Philadelphia will eventually settle down and pick the Giants apart on their way to a 31-17 win at home.”
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Picking NFL games in Week 18 is always difficult. There is a lot of uncertainty about who will play and who will not. So I can use that as an excuse for my best bets blunder on the “Pick Six NFL” podcast last week.
I had my worst week of the season, going 1-4. What an ending to the regular season. That dropped my record to 55-44-5, which is still respectable, but the last two weeks have been brutal in my pursuit of R.J. White. Will Brinson, the podcast’s host, was long out of the running.
My CBSSports.com expert picks finished 9-7 ATS and 10-6 straight up. That brings my ATS record to 129-133-9 and my straight up record to 169-101-1. That means I’ll need to win the playoffs to get over.500 ATS, which I intend to do.
Let’s get the wild-card weekend games swept. That’s correct, 6-0. Let’s get started.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Sat., 4:30 p.m. ET
During the regular season, the 49ers defeated the Seahawks twice, once with rookie Brock Purdy starting. He has yet to lose a start, but things can change in the playoffs. The intensity rises. Kyle Shanahan, I believe, will find a way to make it easy on Purdy, even in the postseason. The 49ers’ defense will swarm Geno Smith. This is going to get ugly. 49ers 28, Seahawks 17.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Sat., 8:15 p.m. ET
This is a game between two of the league’s best young quarterbacks. Both Justin Herbert and Trevor Lawrence will be making their playoff debuts, but I don’t think it will matter. The Jaguars dominated the Chargers in Week 3 by blowing them out, but this game will be much closer. Both passing games should have strong days, making it a shootout. As Lawrence wins the first of his battles with Herbert, expect the Jaguars to make one more big play to win it. Jaguars 34, Chargers 31.
Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins
1 p.m. ET Sunday (CBS, Paramount+)
Tua Tagovailoa is a player. If not, who will? Miami’s quarterback situation is in flux, but I don’t believe it matters who plays. The Dolphins played well in their season-ending loss to the Bills, but that won’t be the case here. The offense and Josh Allen will light up the Dolphins defense, while the Bills will limit Miami’s big plays. The Bills will proceed.
In an NFC East divisional rivalry match, the Philadelphia Eagles travel to “The Big Apple” to face the New York Giants. The Eagles will try to improve their chances of winning the NFC East. The Giants are attempting to make the playoffs.
Eagles vs. Giants quarterback picks
Cash Games: Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts (DraftKings $8.1 million, FanDuel $8.7 million)
This year, Jalen Hurts has been a DFS sensation. Always use Jalen Hurts in all formats.
Daniel Jones, New York Giants quarterback (Draftkings $5.4, FanDuel $6.9K)
Daniel Jones’ rushing ability will always make him a tournament contender. Jones may have to run for his life in this one, with Philadelphia’s pass rush closing in on him.
Best running back selections
Cash Games: New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley (DraftKings $8K, FanDuel $8.2K)
Maintain an eye on the injury report. With a neck injury, Saquon Barkley is a game-time decision. Barkley will remain an RB1 if he plays. If Barkley is unavailable, they will turn to Matt Brieda.
Miles Sanders, running back, Philadelphia Eagles ($6.2K on DraftKings, $7.1K on FanDuel)
Miles Sanders has a stranglehold on the Philadelphia Eagles’ lead-back duties. Sanders is explosive in the open field, and the Eagles have relied on him all season. In the running game, the Eagles’ offensive line should have an advantage. If the Eagles take an early lead, Miles Sanders could take over late in the game.
Tight ends and wide receivers
A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles (DraftKings $8,400, FanDuel $8.4K)
All season, A.J. Brown has been outstanding for the Philadelphia Eagles. Brown is a dominant force in both the deep passing game and the underneath game after the catch. Brown is a nightmare matchup for defensive backs because he outmuscles them at the point of contact. Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown’s chemistry has been extensively discussed, but it is clear as day that it remains as the season comes to a close. Every week, regardless of matchup, A.J. Brown is a Cash Game play.
DeVonta Smith, wide receiver, Philadelphia Eagles (DraftKings $6.3K, FanDuel $7K)
DeVonta Smith has been playing exceptionally well recently. The Dallas Goedert targets are now going to DeVonta Smith, making him a dynamic WR2 in fantasy. The Philadelphia Eagles should be able to attack the New York Giants defense however they want. A.J. Brown will almost certainly be removed from the team by New York. DeVonta Smith should see a lot of one-on-one action. DeVonta Smith is equally effective against man-to-man defense and zone defense. On Sunday, Smith should have another productive afternoon.