Philadelphia Eagles vs New York Giants Picks and Predictions January 5th 2025

Giants Aim to Avoid Historic Loss Total Against Resting Eagles

The New York Giants head into their season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday with history on the line—but not the kind they’d prefer. The Giants (3-13) are at risk of recording the most losses in their 100-year franchise history, while the Eagles (13-3) plan to rest key players, including running back Saquon Barkley, as they prepare for the playoffs.

Giants Fight to Avoid Record Futility

After snapping a team-record 10-game losing streak with a 45-33 victory over the Indianapolis Colts last week, the Giants are determined to finish on a high note. A win would help the franchise avoid setting a new low with 14 losses, a mark the team has matched twice before, most recently in 2021.

However, New York still shares the NFL’s worst record with three other teams, making this game pivotal for their pride and 2025 NFL Draft positioning.

Despite their struggles, coach Brian Daboll is focused on preparation.
“We’ll just prepare like we normally do,” Daboll said. “It’s about playing our game and controlling what we can.”

Eagles Resting Stars, Preparing for Playoffs

Locked into the NFC’s No. 2 seed, the Eagles are using this game as a tune-up for the postseason. Head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed that star running back Saquon Barkley will rest, sidelining his pursuit of Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards.

“It’s a tough decision, but it’s about what’s best for the team,” Sirianni said. “We’ve earned this position, and now it’s about preparing for the playoffs.”

Philadelphia also may rest quarterback Jalen Hurts, who remains in concussion protocol, and wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. The starting quarterback decision will depend on the health of Kenny Pickett, leaving Tanner McKee or Ian Book as potential options.

QB Matchup Reflects Changing Rosters

For the Giants, Drew Lock will make his fifth start after Daniel Jones departed for the Vikings’ practice squad earlier this season. Meanwhile, the Eagles limited New York to just 119 total yards in a 28-3 win in Week 7, a game in which Hurts accounted for three touchdowns.

This time, Lock will need to overcome the Eagles’ stout defense while compensating for a depleted offensive line, with center John Michael Schmitz Jr. and tackle Evan Neal among the injured players.

Get ready for the action with NFL Week 18 Odds & Predictions!

Playoff Context and Rivalry History

The Eagles aim to match their franchise-best 14-3 record from 2022, a season that ended with a Super Bowl appearance. Philadelphia has won six of the past seven meetings with the Giants, including postseason contests.

For New York, the game represents an opportunity to end a disappointing season on a positive note, with hopes of evaluating talent for the future.