The Philadelphia Eagleshaven't given their fans many reasons to feel confident lately. Six consecutive losses have turned a season that began with championship expectations into a weekly exercise in frustration. Now, Joe Milton takes over at quarterback as Philadelphia looks for a spark.
The New York Giants are coming to town. The Eagles can make a statement against their NFC East rivals. New York enters the matchup as the division leader, but Philadelphia shouldn't be counted out.
The Giants have vulnerabilities of their own, and Milton brings a different skill set that could create problems for a defense preparing for an unfamiliar quarterback. The Eagles also have several players who can change the complexion of this matchup if they perform
closer to their potential. Here are five bold predictions for the Eagles' Week 9 matchup with the Giants.
The Eagles and Giants both finish with fewer than 100 rushing yards
This might seem particularly bold considering Philadelphia hasn't stopped an opponent from reaching 100 rushing yards all season. The Eagles have been vulnerable against the run. They've struggled with tackling and haven't consistently won at the line of scrimmage.
That's a concerning combination against a New York offense that would prefer to establish its physicality. Cam Skattebo is doubtful with a hamstring injury, potentially leaving the Giants without their leading rusher.
Devin Singletary and Gregory Desrosiers could be asked to carry more of the load, but Philadelphia has a chance to make New York's ground game less dangerous than usual. The Giants also have to contend with an Eagles defense that knows how important it is to correct its biggest weakness. On the other side, New York has reasons to believe it can limit Philadelphia's rushing attack. The prediction? Neither team reaches 100 yards on the ground, and both offenses are forced to find production elsewhere.
Philadelphia sacks J.J. McCarthy three times
McCarthy has given the Giants a spark since taking over at quarterback, but the Eagles have a chance to make his afternoon much harder. Philadelphia needs its defensive front to play with more consistency, and this matchup offers a chance to make an impression.
The Eagles have struggled to generate pressure throughout the season, but they have the personnel to disrupt opposing quarterbacks when everyone is doing their job. Jalen Carter, in particular, needs to provide more consistent interior disruption. If Philadelphia can collapse the pocket and prevent McCarthy from extending plays, it could force the young quarterback into uncomfortable situations.
Three sacks would represent a productive afternoon for a pass rush that desperately needs a breakthrough. More importantly, it would give Vic Fangio's defense a chance to dictate the terms of the game rather than constantly reacting to New York's offense.
The Eagles produce five explosive plays on offense
Joe Milton's unfamiliarity with the Giants' defensive personnel works both ways. New York hasn't had much opportunity to prepare for him as Philadelphia's starting quarterback, and his physical tools could create problems opposing defenses haven't had to account for before.
Milton has a powerful arm and the athleticism to create opportunities outside the pocket. That combination could be especially useful against a Giants defense that has shown vulnerability to mobile quarterbacks. Philadelphia doesn't need Milton to play a perfect game, but it needs him to take advantage of the opportunities his skill set creates.
The Eagles produce at least five plays of 20 yards or more. One comes from their suddenly productive rookie receiver, Makai Lemon. Philadelphia needs explosive contributions from its passing game, and this matchup could provide the right circumstances for a breakout afternoon.
Makai Lemon outgains Malik Nabers
Malik Nabers is one of the Giants' most dangerous offensive weapons. He is averaging 86.4 receiving yards through seven games. He's expected to play, and his presence gives McCarthy a legitimate downfield threat. However, Nabers hasn't faced Philadelphia since 2024.
The Eagles have Quinyon Mitchell and a secondary that can make life difficult for opposing receivers. Limiting Nabers won't be easy, but Philadelphia has the personnel to keep him from taking over the game.
Meanwhile, Lemon has a chance to keep building momentum. The rookie receiver has become a more prominent part of the offense, and Milton's arm strength could unlock some downfield opportunities. Philadelphia could also benefit from New York extending drives with penalties, giving its offense additional chances to produce.
Nabers remains the more established threat, but Lemon finishes with more receiving yards Sunday. That's a bold prediction, and one that would be particularly encouraging for Philadelphia.
The underdog Eagles upset the NFC East-leading Giants
Wins could be difficult to come by for Philadelphia the rest of the way, but this is a game the Eagles can win. The Giants may sit atop the division, but they aren't unbeatable, and the matchup offers opportunities for Philadelphia on both sides of the ball.
Milton's mobility and arm strength give the offense a different look, while the defense can make McCarthy uncomfortable if the pass rush finally finds consistency. The Eagles also have the advantage of playing at Lincoln Financial Field, where the crowd will be eager to see the team finally deliver something worth celebrating.
The circumstances aren't ideal, and picking Philadelphia after six straight losses takes faith. But division games have a way of ignoring expectations, particularly when the teams involved know each other so well. The Eagles pull off the upset, hand the Giants a disappointing loss, and give their season a much-needed jolt. Prediction: Eagles 24, Giants 20
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles vs. Giants: 5 bold predictions for Sunday's Week 9 matchup
