On Sunday the New York Giants and Philadephia Eagles will face off in another divisional clash, with both teams coming off of victories over NFC East rivals last weekend.
Remarkably, the compeition for a playoff berth is still open in the NFC East, in which the Eagles have a division-leading record of 3-4-1. However a win next week would move the Giants into a tie with the Eagles for first place in the division
Last time out
When the two sides met at Lincoln Financial Field three weeks ago, the Giants were 21-16 up with 2:10 still on the clock. An errant drop by Evan Engram, which never should have been, gave the Eagles possession and a chance at victory. Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz then led a game-winning drive, finding Boston Scott for the touchdown with 40 seconds left.
Giants coach Joe Judge will have been frustrated to lose a game which was in their control, and one which should've pushed his side to a 2-5 record, instead condemning them to what was 1-6, and a now 2-7, record.
A sweep of the Washington Football Team has so far been the only glory for Big Blue this year, after their 23-20 victory last weekend. But wins against Washington account for four of the Giants' six wins since 2019, so it couldn't be considered too much of a feather in their cap.
More impressive was Daniel Jones' performance against Washington, specifically the absence of a turnover from his game. Additionally, the Giants running game continued its fine form as an inexperienced offensive line looks to establish itself.
The Eagles fared better against the Dallas Cowboys, securing a comfortable 23-9 victory, although did allow 133 rushing yards - they allowed 160 against the Giants earlier this season.
Team news
After no practice on Wednesday, stalwart Logan Ryan, who is second on the team for both tackles and pass deflections, practised fully on Thursday, as did defensive end Leonard Williams and tight end Kaden Smith.
Meanwhile, it was a limited practice for Devonta Freeman, Golden Tate III, and Sterling Shepard.
The only Eagles players to not have a full practice was cornerback Craig James, whose last game was against the Giants and centre Lane Johnson, who has played just over half of Philadelphia's snaps this season.
Notably, the Birds will be buoyed by the return of Miles Sanders and Isaac Seumalo.
Prediction
Judge seems to have finally got the Giants moving in the right direction, but his side seem continually unable to apply the killer touch required to secure games.
An extra week of rest might serve the Eagles well, and a bolstered offense will prove difficult to deal with, although the Gians have seen markered improvement in that side of the team.
Eagles 25 - 22 Giants