Eagles-Giants Game Preview: Who Will Win in Week 8?

The Philadelphia Eagles were embarrassed by the New York Giants just two weeks ago. Now the Eagles will host the Giants for a rematch after Philadelphia earned a much-needed win over the Minnesota Vikings last week.

Yet Philadelphia’s win proved costly, as the team will be without several starters against New York, including star wide receiver A.J. Brown. If the Eagles want to get revenge against the Giants, they’ll have to do so without one of their best players.

After embarrassing the Eagles, the Giants had an embarrassing performance of their own against the Denver Broncos last week. New York held a 26-8 lead over Denver in the fourth quarter before watching it disappear. Now the Giants will be trying to get back in the win column against the Eagles.

Here’s my full game preview for an NFC East rematch in Week 8.

Three Storylines To Follow

Will the Eagles Continue To Utilize Under-Center Looks?

The Eagles introduced a new wrinkle against the Vikings last week. After struggling to find an offensive identity through the first six weeks of the regular season, Philadelphia started to rely on under-center looks on offense and found success.

After calling just 26 under-center plays in their first six games, Philadelphia utilized 20 under-center plays in Minnesota. Players praised the philosophical change after the game and it’ll be interesting to see if it continues on Sunday.

The Eagles were the less physical team in their first matchup with the Giants. If Philadelphia gets heavier on the line of scrimmage and continues to utilize Fred Johnson as a sixth offensive lineman in under-center looks, it should help them punch New York back.

Can Philadelphia’s Defense Contain Jaxson Dart?

It appeared as though the Eagles had no idea what they were getting into against the Giants just two weeks ago. Philadelphia’s defense was undisciplined and unprepared against New York’s dynamic rookie duo of Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo.

Dart made several plays with his legs, as he sliced up Philadelphia’s defense for 58 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. After failing to contain Dart on the ground in Week 6, my guess is that Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will change his approach on Sunday.

With only three healthy edge rushers, Fangio will likely rely on sending added pressure to limit escape routes for Dart on the ground. It would be wise to utilize Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell and Nakobe Dean as blitzers against the Giants in Week 8.

Who Will Step Up Without A.J. Brown?

Brown surprisingly popped up on the injury report earlier this week and was eventually ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The Eagles have struggled mightily without Brown since acquiring him via trade in 2022.

Since his arrival in Philadelphia, the Eagles are 2-3 without Brown and average just 16.2 points per game in those games. While the Eagles should still have enough talent to win this week, it’s been tough sledding for Philadelphia’s offense without Brown.

DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert will likely be the two most targeted players for the Eagles in Week 8. Who else will step-up for Philadelphia’s passing attack? Jahan Dotson should be next in line, yet John Metchie III and Darius Cooper could surprise as well.

Two Underrated Players To Watch For

Nakobe Dean

One of the biggest concerns coming away from Philadelphia’s loss to New York was the defense’s lack of physicality. That is never a question for Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean, who made his return on defense last week.

I’d expect Dean to play a bigger role against the Giants, as New York will look to establish their ground game early. Dean showcased his speed on an impressive tackle for loss against the Vikings and will look to build on that showing in Week 8.

Darius Slayton

In Week 6, Philadelphia’s defense allowed New York’s backup wide receivers to have their way with them in MetLife Stadium. It was an embarrassing showing for Philadelphia’s secondary and now the Giants are getting back one of their best wide receivers in Week 8.

Darius Slayton is a big play waiting to happen and the Eagles must limit him on Sunday. The Eagles will likely be forced to start Kelee Ringo at cornerback, which is concerning after he struggled against the Giants in their first matchup. Ringo will need to improve or else Slayton could have a big day in Philadelphia.

One Key Matchup To Monitor

Brett Toth vs. Dexter Lawrence

Eagles starting center Cam Jurgens was ruled out due to a knee injury, which means Brett Toth will likely get the start in Week 8. Toth will draw a tough matchup with Giants All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence manning the middle of New York’s defensive line.

While Toth looked slightly better at center compared to his play at left guard, he will likely still struggle against Lawrence. The Pro Bowl nose tackle has the ability to wreck games and Toth’s play could decide if Philadelphia’s offense will sink or swim in Week 8.

Underdog Pick’em Plays for Eagles-Giants

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Final Score Predictions

Josh’s Pick: Eagles 27, Giants 17

Quick turnaround to take on a Giants team that flat out embarrassed the Eagles two weeks ago at MetLife Stadium. Now give New York some credit but that was also a Philly squad that played its worst football in all three phases this season. And if they were before, the Birds aren’t overlooking the Giants physicality and grit this time.

Of course, several key losses on both sides of the ball (mainly AJ Brown) will hurt, but the Giants are also without multiple starters. So I’m rolling with Vic Fangio and the defense to put Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo in their place this week.

Anthony’s Pick: Eagles 28, Giants 23

Despite missing several starters, the Eagles still have more than enough talent to beat the Giants. Yet that statement was true when these two teams met in Week 6 as well. After being embarrassed by the Giants on national television in their first matchup, my guess is that the Eagles will take this game personally. Philadelphia will do just enough to earn their second consecutive win and enter the bye week with a record of 6-2.