Philadelphia Eagles (10-6-1) +4, 40 O/U at New York Giants (12-4)
Meadowlands, East Rutherford, N.J., 1:00PM Eastern, Sunday
By Jay Horne of Predictem.com
The New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles will meet for the 3rd time this season with this game determining who goes on to play in the NFC Championship. The Giants won the first meeting 36-31 while Philadelphia captured the 2nd meeting 20-14. Both of those games were fun to watch and less than a touchdown was the deciding factor in each game. However, the Giants will have the home field advantage in the Meadowlands where they knocked off the Eagles earlier this season. This match-up looks to be another classic grudge match between two NFC East rivals with big implications on the line.
Philadelphia’s win over the Giants in the start of December was the key victory that got the Eagles rolling in the latter part of the year. The Eagles have played excellent defense down the stretch and that became apparent last week when they held the Minnesota Vikings to only 14 points. The Eagles have not allowed over 14 points in 5 straight games and they will look for defense to once again lead them over the Giants. The Philadelphia defense ranks in the top 4 in every major defensive category. The Eagles have allowed an NFL 4th best 18 points per game and a 3rd best 272 yards per game for the season. The defense will once again need to play a solid ball game for the Eagles to stay hot and grab their 5th win in 6 games.
The Giants ended the year on bad terms losing 3 of their last 4 games. However, the Giants had already wrapped up home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Giants seem to have lost the offensive momentum they had earlier in the year since the departure of WR Plaxico Burress for off the field issues. Despite closing out the year poorly, New York still holds the 3rd best scoring offense in the NFL with 26.7 points per game. The Giants also sport the number 1 rush offense in the NFL averaging a stout 156 yards per game on the ground. Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward are the only pair of running backs to rush for 1,000 yards this season for one team. Both backs present big play capability and Philadelphia must make shutting down the running game priority number one.
Intertops has the betting line expecting this to be another great game with the New York Giants being the slight favorite by 4 points. The over/under for the contest has been posted at the 40 point mark. ML numbers have New York listed as the -200 favorites and the Eagles as +165 underdogs.
Philadelphia QB Donovan Mcnabb has closed out the year strong after some mid-season controversy based on his performance. Last week, McNabb threw 23/34 for a strong 300 yards with a touchdown and a pick. Running back Michael Westbrook was shut down for the majority of the game until breaking a 71 yard touchdown off a screen pass. Westbrook is a dual threat running back that can be just as effective catching passes out of the backfield. Westbrook big play capability could very well be the difference maker again this weekend in the Division Playoff Round.
New York will certainly run the ball a lot in this game. The Giants have found a lot of success this season on the ground and they will try to wear down the Philadelphia defense with their two sensational backs. QB Eli Manning is the high profile man behind center for the Giants throwing for 3,238 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. However, Manning has not even thrown for 200 yards in a single game since the last week in December. The passing attack has not been so much of an attack this season and the Giants will look to get things done on the ground. The New York defense has been strong down the stretch as well and it will be interesting to see if the Giants defensive unit can force QB Donovan McNabb to make some turnovers. Every turnover will be huge in this game considering how important every possession will likely be in this anticipated great football game.
Betting Trends…
New York is 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games and also 5-1 ATS in their last 6 at home. The Giants have reached the under total in 5 of their last 6 games as well. The over/under total has also gone on the under side in the Eagles last 5 of 6 games. Philadelphia is 11-4 ATS in their last 15 and also a strong 4-1 ATS in their last 5 outings.
Jay’s Pick - I like the over 40 in this game. Philadelphia is playing great offense and New York will have success on the ground. Take the over 40.
Editor's Picks - Each week our in house pro's tackle the week's card and make predictions on the week's games ATS! Best bets, top plays, premium selections, etc. FREE!
Expert Picks - Free premium plays from the "real" expert handicappers from around the web. Don't fall for second rate picks from ESPN, the NFL Network, Hank Goldberg or the screaming touts on TV.
Underdog of the Week - We pick out the loudest barking dog of the week. Expect a 60% winning percentage with these selections.
Favorite of the Week - We examine "the chalk" and determine the safest bet in which who you should lay the points with.
Over/Under of the Week - Our in house cappers report which NFL game is most likely to go over or under the posted total.
The Armchair Quarterback - ACQ makes an appearance at Predictem to give out his much coveted troika of free weekly NFL picks. Put your helmet on and tackle your bookie with these sick picks. He is simply FLAT NASTY!
Line Movement Plays - We report all the major line moves from the gridiron and distinguish whether it's public money or sharp action causing the move.
NFL Consensus Picks - See what the general public is betting on. We use this info to fade the public to the tune of big profits over the course of the season.
NFL Trends - Don't ever let anybody tell you that the trend is your friend. These picks make great fades which is exactly what we do with them.
Monday Night Football Picks - The ultimate bailout play. Our MNF picks are golden and have hit 62% or better the past 3 years. Did we mention that their FREE?
Superbowl Predictions - Our take before the season on who we think will win Superbowl XLIV. We'll update with a final pick based on the actual remaining teams a week prior to the big game at Dolphins Stadium on February 7th, 2010.
Super Bowl Picks - Everybody here in the Predictem office takes their best preseason shot at predicting the winner Superbowl 44. Pride is on the line here! Oh, and LOOT too! Picks will be updated a 2nd and final time two weeks before the Super Bowl plays.
2009 NFL Predictions - David Lane focuses on the new coaches in the league and gives predictions on how they'll do this season.
Free UFL Picks - Point spread predictions for the new United Football League each week of their season (starting in October).
Sportsbook - Tired of deposit hassles? This place has a 90% acceptance rate of accepting credit cards. Even from Americans!
5Dimes - 15 team parlays! 20 point teasers! Pleasers and huge point buying opportunities as well!
Sportbet - Bet NFL games at -105 odds up to $500 when making your bets on Tuesday's!
PlayersOnly - Offers progressive parlays in which you can have losers on your card and still cash in!
Statless NFL Handicapping - The quick, easy way and yes, it's effective!
Betting NFL Underdogs - It's the first thing you should consider every Sunday. We explain why.
Choosing an Online Sportsbook - We talk about things to consider before you commit to play at one.
Famous Football Quotes - From the inspirational to the greatest touchdown calls of all time. We've got them!
Pro Football Hall of Fame - A full list of NFL players who have been inducted into the NFL HOF.
The Spread NFL Football - Offers free game predictions, matchups, stats including both offensive and defensive and more!
Fantasy Football Sites - Get recommendations on where to find weekly updated player news, depth charts and legit websites that offer the best stat and record tracking for your fantasy football league.
