Week 7 matchups:
Previews, picks for Steelers-Titans, Bucs-Raiders, Seahawks-Cardinals and the rest of the NFL.
Thursday, 8:20 PM, Oct. 22, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
TV: Fox
Danny Sheridan’s line: Eagles by 6
Giants’ keys to victory: Attack the Eagles with quarterback Daniel Jones and a talented trio of wide receivers in Darius Slayton, Golden Tate and Sterling Shepard and tight end in Evan Engram. Engram has been relatively quiet, but with the Eagles struggling to cover tight ends, Jones will need to target his athletic pass catchers early and often. Cornerback James Bradberry will look to take away the Eagles’ top WR option, while the Giants’ defensive front should be able to get pressure on Carson Wentz and the banged up offensive line.
Eagles’ Keys to victory: Avoid playing down to their competition. The Eagles will look to feed RB Miles Sanders against a defense that features playmakers in Bradberry and MLB Blake Martinez. Look for Wentz to get Zach Ertz involved in the passing game while incorporating DeSean Jackson, who is expected to return from a hamstring injury, back into the lineup.
Matchup to watch: Eagles DE Josh Sweat vs. Giants LT Andrew Thomas: The former Georgia star is off to a bumpy start to his NFL career, as it’s been a baptism by fire with matchups against T.J. Watt, Khalil Mack, Bud Dupree and Robert Quinn. He’ll face Sweat, the Eagles most consistent pass rusher this season and has three sacks on the season.
Who wins? The game will be the first of three straight NFC East games for the Eagles sandwiched in between the bye. The Eagles should win at home.
Eagles 28-17