The New York Giants (3-13) close out their season with a trip down the New Jersey Turnpike this Sunday afternoon to face the NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles (13-3).
Normally, there would be lots of betting options in this matchup (mostly on the Philly side), but this is Week 18, which is now being called the fourth preseason game.
Teams that are out of the playoffs will likely not be dressing players who are hurting and teams that are headed to the postseason usually sit any player they feel too essential to risk in a game that is meaningless in the standings.
That is the case this Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. Philly has already stated that star running back Saquon Barkley will not play, so cross him off your lists.
Philadelphia doesn’t need the game and is just trying to keep their best players out of harm’s way.
On Thursday, the Eagles sat most of their key personnel at practice, foreshadowing what they might do on Sunday: Wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee/rest), quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion/left finger), quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (wrist/rest) did not participate in practice.
Many others were limited.
The Giants, on the other hand, are likely to play anyone who has a personal stake in either gaining experience, passing a milestone, or a contract incentive. Translation: Everyone who can play, will.
Here are three prop bets to play based on the information at hand, per BetMGM.
Giants WR Malik Nabers OVER 69.5 receiving yards (-130)
Malik Nabers wants to finish the season on a high note and he’ll be in a great position to do that on Sunday against the Eagles’ backup secondary. Many fantasy experts are predicting Nabers to eclipse the 100-yard mark in this game and his price in fantasy is rising. Jump on this number now before it gets too high to bet.
Giants WR Malik Nabers OVER 6.5 receptions (-115)
Nabers leads the NFL in targets (162) and has 104 receptions on the season, one shy of Puka Nacua’s NFL record for rookie wide receivers. Nabers is also chasing fellow rookie, Las Vegas tight end Brock Bowers (who has 108 catches) for the rookie single-season reception record. Expect Nabers to continue to be fed the ball.
Giants QB Drew Lock OVER 191.5 passing yards (-115)
Of course, on the other side of the Nabers equation, will be the quarterback. In this case, it’s Drew Lock who is coming off a career day last week against Indianapolis. The Eagles will have to play some of their starters in this game, but it won’t be for long. If Lock sees minimal pressure in the pocket, he will be in for a big statistical afternoon. Last year, as a Seattle Seahawk, Lock started the Seahawks’ Week 14 20-17 win over Philly on the road, hitting on 22-of-33 passes for 208 yards.
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