Game day has arrived for the Philadelphia Eagles in a critical Week 9 NFC East showdown against the New York Giants.
The Eagles are looking to break a six-game losing streak, as they are 2-6. New York is coming off a bye after starting the year 4-2-1 and leading the division.
Five bold predictions for the Eagles in the Giants showdown. Will any of these actually happen?
- Joe Milton III is going to throw at least two interceptions in first Eagles start
- Makai Lemon finally gets his first 100-yard game
- Eli Stowers shows Eagles enough to make them trade Dallas Goedert
- Nolan Smith Jr. will continue his strong season with two sacks
- Eagles give fans false hope with upset win over the Giants
Joe Milton III is going to throw at least two interceptions in first Eagles start
This is Milton's first NFL start, as he has played only six career games for the New England Patriots and the Dallas Cowboys. The team signed him less than a month ago after Jalen Hurts was ruled out for the season with blood clots. Milton replaces Tanner McKee in the starting lineup after McKee lost his only three starts of the season.
In his career, Milton has completed 69.8% of his passes for 424 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also rushed for 66 yards on 15 carries and scored one touchdown.
Milton has fumbled the ball twice in his career and thrown two interceptions, so while he provides a spark for this offense with his rocket arm, he'll make mistakes. Watch for him to get picked off twice in the game.
Makai Lemon finally gets his first 100-yard game
Lemon has been picking up momentum over the last two games after a really slow start to the season. He had 127 yards in the first six games, but has since had 124 yards and one touchdown.
There was some real chemistry being built there between McKee and Lemon on offense. It also helps that DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks have missed the last two games and will miss this Giants game as well.
Still, Lemon is not looking like a rookie anymore and is a guy who could potentially be the future of the Eagles' passing game. He's improving each week, so reaching at least 100 yards feels realistic.
Eli Stowers shows Eagles enough to make them trade Dallas Goedert
Stowers made some major strides in the Eagles' Week 8 loss to the Washington Commanders, as he got more reps on offense and showed off that he can be a good pass catcher. He was the second leading receiver on the team with three catches for 53 yards.
It has been a long season for him so far, as he has only played in two games. Many thought the 2026 season was going to be a redshirt season for him since he struggled in training camp.
With all the injuries on the team and the season almost lost, it feels like a perfect time for Stowers to get more playing time. Watch for him to have a strong enough game that might actually have the Eagles convicnced to trade Dallas Goedert at the trade deadline on Tuesday and have Stowers start the rest of the season at tight end.
Nolan Smith Jr. will continue his strong season with two sacks
Smith has put together an impressive season with the Eagles after logging only three sacks in 13 games last year. He already has four sacks entering the Giants game and is actually the only edge rusher on the Eagles to have a sack in a game in 2026.
This Giants offensive line has allowed the third-most sacks in the NFL this year, with 21. Smith must be foaming at the mouth, knowing that he can have a monster game for this team.
Watch for Smith to get at least two sacks on the Giants since he is the only pass rusher who can do anything for this team. It could be the game that gives him enough confidence for the rest of the season to help this defense get things back on track.
Read more: Joe Milton III must show 3 things to Eagles fans in Week 9 to earn their trust
Eagles give fans false hope with upset win over the Giants
This feels like a game where Eagles fans have lost all hope that the team will do anything in 2026, and then oddly find a way to upset the Giants. New York won't have Cam Skattebo in the backfield, and this is quarterback J.J. McCarthy's second start with the team.
Philly may struggle with Milton at quarterback, but he can still deliver the explosive plays they need in the passing game. Saquon Barkley is also healthier than he has been over the past month so that he can get more snaps.
McCarthy hasn't always been the most accurate quarterback, so the Eagles might force turnovers and pressure him. It isn't clear whether Eagles fans really want to win this game, but it feels like if they get this win going into the bye, all anyone will think about is making a miraculous comeback for the NFC East title.
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