Eagles news: Intriguing matchups to watch versus Giants

When it comes to rivalry games, no stone can go unturned during the preparation process. Something tells us the Philadelphia Eagles are ready. No team has preached from the pulpit of staying in the moment more often than QB1 Jalen Hurts, head coach Nick Sirianni, and anyone else that finds their way in front of the microphone.

The New York Giants, one of Philly’s three rivals in the NFC East, isn’t just one of the teams that the Birds most despise. They’re also a team the Eagles know well. Two head-to-head matchups annually will do that for you.

Here are a handful of matchups that should decide the outcome of Eagles versus Giants.

On paper, Philadelphia is the better team, but that’s one of the things that has to be thrown out when divisional foes clash. While we expect an Eagles win, this game, like any other, comes down to matchups.

Azeez Ojulari, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Oshane Ximines versus the Eagles O-line

Leonard Williams’ presumed absence is almost New York’s defensive equivalent to being without Saquon Barkley on offense. At the time this story was written and published, no definite answer has been given about whether he’ll play or not.

The Giants love to blitz, but the responsibility of getting to Jalen Hurts falls primarily on Azeez Ojulari, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Oshane Ximines. Stay tuned.

Daniel Jones and Matt Breida versus the Eagles’ rushing defense?

Daniel Jones’ legs are more threatening than his arm, and he’ll be asked to tote the rock in this one. Matt Breida is New York’s next man up at tailback.

Philly’s rushing defense survived the Derrick Henry test. Now, they’ll be asked to limit one of the game’s more mobile quarterbacks as well.

Darius Slayton, Richie James, and Isaiah Hodgins versus Darius Slay, James Bradberry, and Avonte Maddox

Simply put, if the G-Men can’t run the ball, they’ll be forced to pass. Darius Slay, James Bradberry, and Avonte Maddox should be able to get the best of a limited Giants passing attack.

The Giants’ O-line versus the Eagles’ pass rush

The name of the game is simple. Keep Jalen Hurts upright. No team plays more man coverage than New York. No team blitzes more often. If Philly prevents said blitz from getting home, they win.

More Eagles news: Philadelphia is getting healthier. James Bradberry faces his former team.

Seeing as how secrets can’t be kept around these parts, everyone probably knows that Avonte Maddox is back. Our third match probably spoiled the surprise for you if you aren’t aware, but the most important part of that is Philly seems to be getting healthy for a stretch run. The expectation is Dallas Goedert should return in Week 15.

James Bradberry faces his old team. As you’d expect, he’s downplayed this one, electing only to discuss the business-like nature of the NFL, but we all know that he’s had this game circled. We expect him to play well.

NFL news: The Vikings, like the Eagles, secure playoff berths with a win.

The Eagles still own the NFL’s best record at 11-1, and a 12th win this week would continue to keep the surging Dallas Cowboys (9-3) and Minnesota Vikings (10-2) at bay.

Surprisingly, the Vikes are road dogs versus the Detroit Lions, but if they and the Eagles earn victories, both secure a postseason berth. In the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs would also secure a playoff berth if they win.