NFL picks, score predictions Week 7: Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants | Sporting News

By the time Sunday’s NFC East rivalry game between the Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) and New York Giants (2-4) kicks off at MetLife Stadium (1 p.m. EST), 222 days will have passed since star running back Saquon Barkley left the team that drafted him No. 2 overall for its archrival. 

Barkley’s anticipated return to East Rutherford has arrived, in what will be a massive game for both sides.

The Eagles don’t only want to prove they were right for signing Barkley to a $37.75 million contract in March, they want to prove they’re a better team than what they’ve shown this season, especially after barely escaping the lowly Cleveland Browns at home last week. 

The Giants, meanwhile, are in a familiar spot as previous seasons, with fans disgusted by the play of quarterback Daniel Jones and rumors swirling about head coach Brian Daboll’s job status.

The potential “Saquon Barkley Show” will likely distract from the key confrontation in this matchup: Philly’s tractor-pull of an offense vs. a surging Giants defense. 

The Giants lead the league in sacks, averaging 4.3 per game. Shane Bowen’s crew has given up 20 points or less in four consecutive games. This will be a massive test for an Eagles team that enters Week 7 ranked 22nd in the NFL in points per play, and will likely be without left tackle Jordan Mailata and tight end Dallas Goedert.

Will the Eagles — and Barkley — get the last laugh against their hated rivals? Here’s how NFL experts and writers see this key divisional clash unfolding:

NFL picks, predictions Week 7: Eagles vs. Giants

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Eagles 24, Giants 17

Iyer: “The Eagles have been fighting through their offensive funk to be right there in the NFC playoff mix behind the surprising Commanders. Jalen Hurts got going with his best receivers last week, and it helped that the defense eased the burden.  Philly stays hot here on a short division road trip.”

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Eagles 24, Giants 14 

Bender: “The Eagles are 3-2, but you wouldn’t know it with the noise around coach Nick Sirianni. Philadelphia did not commit a turnover in Week 5, and Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley will need to get more out of their high-volume carries against the Giants. That interior matchup with Dexter Lawrence – who has seven sacks – will be pivotal. Brian Daboll is on an actual hot seat for a team that averages 10 points per game in three home losses.”

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Eagles 27, Giants 16

Cluff: “The Eagles have A.J. Brown back and that makes their offense all the more dangerous. The Giants won’t be able to keep up.”

Matt Johnson, Sportsnaut: Eagles 24, Giants 17

Johnson: “While the ‘Revenge Game’ narrative is overused, it absolutely applies to Saquon Barkley facing the New York Giants in Week 7. The All-Pro running back will certainly be even more motivated after a season-worst performance in Week 6 and there are few things offensive linemen love more than helping their running back get revenge against the team that wouldn’t pay him. Plus, as we’ve seen throughout the year, the Giants’ defense really only plays well when its defensive line can dominate and the Eagles’ offensive line won’t be nearly as easy to create penetration against as the Cincinnati Bengals (4 sacks) and Seattle Seahawks (7 sacks) were.”

Ben Rolfe, Pro Football Network: Eagles 21, Giants 16

Rolfe: “The Eagles might be the epitome of league average right now. Our PFN insights metrics for 2024 have them essentially right in the middle of the pack, offensively and defensively. However, if you look at EPA per game, it would suggest they are actually worse than that, ranking 21st in net and 23rd defensively. The Giants are slightly worse overall, ranking 23rd in terms of net EPA per game and 23rd when it comes to their offense. The defense is slightly better but is still right around league average, so there is certainly no great strength here. We saw that on Sunday Night Football when New York’s defense could restrict Cincinnati’s offense but couldn’t do enough to give its below-average offense a chance. It’s hard to find an angle to back either of these teams, especially with the Eagles laying 3.5 points. Three of Philadelphia’s five games have gone under 45 total points, and five of the Giants’ six have done the same. Thus, if you’re looking to play this game, the under is the way to go.”

Consensus: Eagles 24, Giants 16

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