There was a point in the season just two months ago when the Eagles trailed the Cowboys by two games in the NFC East standings, and now, here they are, sitting atop the division in Week 17.
Philadelphia put together its most complete win of the season in defeating Dallas last week, and they now have a one-game lead, with just one contest remaining. All that stands between the Eagles and a division title is the Giants, a team that appeared in disarray earlier in the season, but have now won consecutive games, for the first time all year. And it’s not like the Giants can’t beat the Eagles, either, as they took a 17-3 lead into the half just a few weeks ago, only to blow it in over time. Big Blue is currently the healthiest its been all season, with Saquon Barkley finally looking healthy, and Danny Dimes slinging well, dimes. Jones is riding a ton of momentum heading into Sunday’s game, having completed 28 of 42 passes in last week’s win over the Redskins, with a ridiculous five touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Dec 22, 2019; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders (26) runs with the ball against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (24) and offensive tackle Cameron Fleming (75) at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
But Carson Wentz, on the other side of the fence, is no small fish, either. Wentz, like Jones, is a former top-10 draft pick, and he’s done a great job with a patchwork receiving corps this season. DeSean Jackson, Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor have all been injured during various points of the season, so the team has been switching around skill position players all season. However, wide receiver Greg Ward and rookie running back Miles Sanders have stepped up, and the Eagles seem to have found a formula that works on offense.
Dec 22, 2019; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (88) gets a pat on the head from offensive tackle Jason Peters (71) after his touchdown catch during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles’ defense, however, has a clear advantage in this game. Their defensive front has been stout against the run, and they’ll look to keep Barkley inside by setting the edge, rather than allowing him to get his legs churning in the open field. Barkley has shown some struggles running inside the tackles, and the Eagles will likely look to sell out by keeping him in there. That, however, will likely get the Giants receivers in some favorable matchups downfield, so it will be interesting to see if Big Blue can create some big plays. Philadelphia has everything to play for in this game, while New York will relish playing the role of spoiler, which is why they’re only four-point underdogs, according to Sports Betting odds, on various sportsbooks.
