The Philadelphia Eagles (11-1) are heading to MetLife Stadium to face the New York Giants (7-4-1) in a heated matchup of division rivals.
The matchup will have playoff implications for both teams as the Giants work to hang onto the sixth spot in the NFC playoff race.
The Eagles are currently the No. 1 overall seed and will look to hang onto the top spot in the division and the NFC.
With kickoff less than 24 hours away, here are five matchups to watch when Philadelphia is on defense.
Darius Slay-James Bradberry vs. Darius Slayton -Kenny Golladay
With James Bradberry in the lineup, Slay won’t be forced to travel. From a physical traits point of view, Slay will likely follow Darius Slayton, while the more physical Bradberry could draw Kenny Golladay.
Eagles FS Reed Blankenship vs. Giants TE Daniel Bellinger
With C.J. Gardner-Johnson out, Blankenship has been solid in coverage and he’ll be called up on Sunday to neutralize Giants tight end, Daniel Bellinger.
Bellinger has 21 receptions for 176 yards and two touchdowns and he’s the leading tight end on the Giants roster.
Jonathan Gannon vs. Daniel Jones
Playing without a fifth-year option, Jones has blossomed this season under new coach Brian Daboll.
Jones has 2,365 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and only four interceptions, and is play is a big reason the Giants are in the playoff hunt.
It’ll be on Jonathan Gannon to pressure the young quarterback while accounting for his athletic ability as a runner.
Eagles defensive line vs. Giants offensive line
The Eagles have sacked the opposing quarterback 42 times this season, and even with the Giants being much improved at the tackle position, the Birds have the edge.
Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal are stout but left guard Mark Glowinski and right guard Joshua Ezeudu offer intriguing matchups for Jordan Davis, Linval Joseph and Javon Hargrave.
Saquon Barkley vs. T.J. Edwards-Kyzir White
A true dual threat who’ll get the football at three different positions, Barkley’s 1,055 yards rank fourth in the NFL and first in the NFC. His eight touchdowns rank one behind Jalen Hurts and Miles Sanders, who each have nine and are tied for fifth in the NFL with Ken Walker III.
Through 12 games this season, the former Penn State star has gained 241 yards on 40 receptions.
