New York Giants fans, buckle up because the NFC East drama isn’t done with us yet. In what might be the pettiest move in NFL history, the Philadelphia Eagles could be plotting to tank their Week 18 matchup against the Giants.
Why? To sabotage New York’s shot at landing the No. 1 overall pick and Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward. However, that also could ruin Saquon Barkley’s bid to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record—which wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
Yes, this is where we are now. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Philly might rest their starters—including Barkley—giving the Giants a golden opportunity to accidentally win a meaningless game. The win would drop New York from first overall to who-knows-where in the draft order, making it harder to snag Sanders or Ward, the quarterbacks who could finally drag this franchise out of the stone age.
If the Eagles' seed is locked ahead of Week 18, @AdamSchefter says Philly shouldn't want Saquon to break the record 👀
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) December 22, 2024
"If the Giants win that game ... the Giants then fall from 1 or 2 to 7 and don't get their QB of the future." 😬 pic.twitter.com/9riEpmqQpC
And here’s the kicker: Philly has everything to gain. By letting the Giants stumble into a Week 18 victory, they keep their playoff-bound roster fresh, block the G-Men from getting the QB of the future, and ensure they stay stuck in quarterback hell while they run the division. Meanwhile, Saquon—just 268 yards shy of Dickerson’s record—could be left holding the bag, watching history slip away.
Eagles master plan could crush Giants’ dreams and Saquon’s shot at history
Let’s call it what it is: an all-time petty move. And honestly? Kind of brilliant. Sitting Barkley and their starters would let Philly prioritize the playoffs while throwing a wrench in New York’s rebuild. It’s the ultimate NFC East flex—helping themselves while making sure their rival stays in the basement.
But from a Giants perspective, this is straight-up nightmare fuel. They've suffered through 16 weeks of misery, from quarterback roulette to defensive meltdowns. The only silver lining? A shot at the No. 1 overall pick, that could finally give the team an identity at the most important position.
If the Eagles hand Big Blue a meaningless win and cost the team that pick, it’s not just frustrating—it’s cruel.
And what about Saquon? He’s been incredible for the Eagles, carrying the ball like a man possessed. But hey, let’s be real—Barkley not getting the rushing title against the Giants might actually be a blessing in disguise for the G-Men. Watching a former franchise cornerstone break records in Philly Green would be salt in the wound for a fanbase that’s already suffered enough this season.
Sure, he’s been incredible, but seeing him run wild against the Giants while the Eagles plot to keep them in the gutter? That would be unbearable. Let him fall short; at least that’s one less indignity we’d have to deal with. Breaking Dickerson’s record would cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats, but imagine being told, “Nah, we’re good. Sit this one out because it’s better for the team.”
Philly’s brass might have their reasons, but good luck explaining that to a player staring down history.
The thought of celebrating a Week 18 win is laughable. A meaningless victory would do nothing but harm our draft position and keep us stuck in the cycle of mediocrity. And if Philly pulls this off? It’s the ultimate proof that the NFC East isn’t just a division—it’s a soap opera, and the Giants are somehow the punchline again.
If Schefter’s theory is true, Week 18 won’t just be a game—it’ll be a masterclass in NFL pettiness. Let’s just hope the Giants don’t fall for it. Because trust me, we can’t afford another “win” like this.