4 bold predictions for the NY Giants vs. Eagles in Week 18

The NY Giants have clinched their playoff spot, but there’s still one more game in the regular season, and it comes against the Philadelphia Eagles. Rivalry or not, this won’t be the kind of matchup that everyone would have expected.

While the Giants can’t move up or down seeding wise, the Eagles need to win to clinch the No. 1 seed. Ironically, the game between the two NFC East rivals means a lot more to Philadelphia than New York.

There’s multiple storylines to monitor entering the game, like whether or not the Giants will rest their starters, and if Jalen Hurts will be able to suit up. Regardless, anything can happen when these two familiar foes face off in a game with some pretty big implications.

With kickoff slated for 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS, here are four bold predictions for the NY Giants versus the Philadelphia Eagles:

4. Saquon Barkley won’t play a snap

Saquon Barkley is invaluable to the Giants, and he shouldn’t play a snap in Sunday’s game. The Giants have nothing to play for in this one, so why even risk something happening to No. 26 over in Philly?

While Barkley has been phenomenal throughout the 2022 season, he’s also been banged up. Last time out against the Eagles, Barkley dealt with a neck injury, and was clearly limited. With plenty of depth behind him, Barkley should take the week off to heal up.

The Giants would love to lean on him come playoff time, and he could be the difference between a win and a loss. Weighing the risk versus the reward, it’s evident that Barkley riding the pine and supporting his teammates is the far smarter option on Sunday. We hope Brian Daboll and Co. agree with us.