The New York Giants (3-13) travel to Philadelphia on Sunday to face the NFC East champion Eagles (13-3) in a regular-season finale that means vastly different things for each team. While the Eagles are focused on resting their stars ahead of the playoffs, the Giants are looking to end a miserable season with a win—or at least some measure of dignity.
For the Eagles, the stakes are minimal, as they’ve already locked up the NFC’s No. 2 seed. Head coach Nick Sirianni has made it clear that players like Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, and Jalen Carter will sit, prioritizing health for a playoff run.
This decision denies Barkley a shot at NFL history—he’s just 101 yards shy of Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record. Meanwhile, Tanner McKee will potentially make his first NFL start at quarterback for Philadelphia, with Kenny Pickett hurt with a rib injury and Jalen Hurts still in concussion protocol.
For the Giants, the stakes are more nuanced—and controversial. A win against the Eagles could drop them several spots in the NFL Draft, potentially taking them out of range to select a franchise quarterback. With the team already out of playoff contention and the first overall pick, fans and analysts are questioning whether victory is worth jeopardizing the team’s future.
New York is coming off a rare high point (or low point depending on who you ask), having snapped a 10-game losing streak with a 45-33 win over the Colts in Week 17. Drew Lock, who threw for 309 yards and four touchdowns in that game, will start under center and look to build momentum heading into what’s expected to be an offseason of sweeping changes for the Giants.
Key Giants inactives
The Giants are shorthanded on the offensive line, with tackle Evan Neal (rib/hip) and center John Michael Schmitz (ankle) both ruled out. Linebacker Micah McFadden (neck) and cornerback Greg Stroman (shin) will also miss the game, further depleting New York’s defensive depth. Wide receiver Malik Nabers, who is coming off a career-high 171-yard performance, was limited in practice this week but is expected to play.
Key Eagles inactives
As expected, the Eagles will rest several key starters, including running back Saquon Barkley, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and offensive linemen Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has been ruled out, while backup Kenny Pickett is questionable with a rib injury, leaving Tanner McKee as the likely starter.
Full Giants inactives list for Week 18
- RB: Dante Miller
- CB: Greg Stroman
- CB: Dee Williams
- LB: Micah McFadden
- C: John Michael Schmitz
- OT: Evan Neal
- QB: Tim Boyle (3rd QB)
Full Eagles inactives list for Week 18
- QB: Jalen Hurts
- WR: DeVonta Smith
- WR: A.J. Brown
- RB: Saquon Barkley
- LB: Zack Baun
- OT: Lane Johnson
- OT: Jordan Mailata
- OG: Landon Dickerson
- LB: Nakobe Dean
- DT: Jalen Carter
- CB: Darius Slay
While the Eagles are looking ahead to the playoffs, the Giants are fighting to avoid an 0-6 record in the NFC East and their 11th consecutive loss at Lincoln Financial Field. For New York, a win could provide a morale boost heading into the offseason—but it could also cost them a chance at a future franchise quarterback. Either way, Sunday’s game is a fittingly chaotic conclusion to a season filled with frustration and uncertainty.