The New York Giants will wrap up their season on the road against the first-place Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday.
The Giants are, of course, coming off their third win of the season where they snapped a 10-game losing streak. Although they got the win, the loss of the draft positioning where New York was in line to get the No. 1 pick got most of the attention on Sunday.
The Eagles, meanwhile, are coming off a win against the Dallas Cowboys where they locked up the NFC East title and the second seed in the NFC for the postseason.
With nothing for the Eagles to play for, many of their starters are not expected to suit up in the regular season finale. That includes former Giant Saquon Barkley, who was in reach of hall of fame Eric Dickerson’s rushing record.
The Giants opened up as 3.5-point road underdogs earlier this week — a high number given the lack of significance behind the game for Philly in mind.
Here are three reasons for optimism ahead of Sunday.
Eagles have nothing to play for
With the NFC East title and the second seed of the playoffs already locked up, the Eagles will be resting their starters in a game that would likely be a blowout if it was not the regular season finale. Certainly, due to a flurry of injuries, the Giants have been playing with backup players for most of the second half of the season. Therefore, with the Eagles resting their starters, it evens the playing field a little bit.
Momentum
Drew Lock and the Giants are coming off an offensive explosion in Week 17. They may have found a cure for the offensive ineptitude that has plagued them all season long. As much as the fans would like the players and coaching staff to be tanking, the players have clearly not quit. The Giants will be out to end the season on a high note on Sunday.
The rookies
Malik Nabers and Tyrone Tracy Jr. had milestone days last week as they both eclipsed 1,000 scrimmage yards on the season. Additionally, Nabers had a career-high in receiving yards and eclipsed 100 catches as well.
Nabers, who is currently at 104 receptions, will be chasing Puka Nacua’s rookie receptions record (105) which was set last season. Las Vegas Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers has already surpassed that mark with 108 receptions and counting.
Nabers will need four more catches than Bowers in Week 18 to tie the rookie record by a pass catcher. However, he needs just two catches to break the record for receptions by a wide receiver.
Tracy has been a bigger surprise and has certainly helped ease the pain of the departure of Saquon Barkley.
The Giants’ two rookies on offense will be leaned on heavily once again on Sunday.
[lawrence-related id=738763,738761,738754]