NFL expert Louis Ross (@LouisRoss67) runs the rule over Thursday night's action from Philadelphia.
New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles | Friday 01:25 | Sky Sports 1
You want stats? I got stats.
How about the Giants only scoring one offensive touchdown at Lincoln Financial Field since 2013. Big Blue do not like Philadelphia and Philly returns the feeling in spades. In essence, the Eagles have nothing to pay for.
At 5-9 their season is long done. The Giants on the other hand are 10-4 and if they can win out, still have a chance of taking the first seed from Dallas. In any event, a win here and the fifth spot will be as low as they can go.
This season has the feeling of their two previous Super Bowl wins. In both 2007 and 2012, it felt like New York came from nowhere. The victims on each occasion were the Patriots and who at this moment would bet against a third February meeting between Eli and Tom Brady.
Giant defensive efforts
As in those Championship years, it is the defence that is propelling NYG towards the post-season. The Giants defence sprang to life in Week 6. Since that point, they are giving up an average of just 15.8 points per-game (PPG).
Here they face an Eagles offence treading water. Carson Wentz started the season playing as well as Dak Prescott but since Week 3 has not thrown a touchdown over 15 yards. That is pretty poor.
Philly's defence has been doing a far better job and will attempt to frustrate Eli and an offence that, despite having the amazing Odell Beckham Jnr, continues to struggle. The lack of a running game really does not help. I’m sure most of us would struggle to name a Giants running back.
Eagles to make life difficult for rivals
The Eagles will continue to make life difficult for Eli and his less than solid offensive line. Their season may be over, but only Dallas come above the Giants on the Philly hate list.
The Eagles had nothing to play for last weekend but only lost to Baltimore by going for two at the death instead of kicking a field goal and taking it into overtime.
I wanted to finish the piece on player lines, but there is nothing that jumps out as being either value or a palpable error. So my personal bet on Thursday night is points based and Under 41.5 is the pick (20/21 Matchbook).
A full piece covering the weekend action will follow on Friday but there is plenty of action on Christmas Eve and even one game on Christmas Day – I’m currently in negotiations about watching that but the Southern Trains dispute is probably easier to solve.
Best Bets
New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles – Under 41.5 points (20/21 Matchbook)
