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NY Giants vs Philadelphia Eagles predictions: Our expert picks as Saquon Barkley reurns

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NY Giants vs Philadelphia Eagles predictions: Our expert picks as Saquon Barkley reurns

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It’s time for Saquon’s return.

The New York Giants will see Saquon Barkley for the first time since the star running back signed a free-agent deal with the Philadelphia Eagles during the offseason.

This game is also an important NFC East matchup, especially for the Giants as they try to stay within striking distance in the division.

Without their top two offensive weapons − Malik Nabers and Devin Singletary − the G-Men didn’t nearly have the success they did in Seattle, losing 17-7 last Sunday night against the Bengals.

Tied with the Browns early in the fourth quarter, the Eagles hit a go-ahead play with a 45-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Hurts to Devonta Smith to take the lead for good in a 20-16 victory at Lincoln Financial Field in Week 6.

In the final game last season, the Giants snapped a five-game losing streak against their division rivals with a 27-10 win over the Eagles, who notably played a majority of their backups.

Our prognosticators throughout the season are: Art Stapleton (Giants/NFL writer, NorthJersey.com), Bert Bainbridge (sports betting analyst/columnist, NorthJersey.com), Steve Edelson (columnist, APP.com), Vince Mercogliano (Rangers/NHL columnist, lohud.com), Brian Marron (digital producer, NorthJersey.com), Chris Iseman (Rutgers writer, NorthJersey.com), Bob Jordan (sports editor, Asbury Park Press/APP.com), and Dave Rivera (sports editor, USA TODAY Northeast/NorthJersey.com).

Here are the standings for our staff members going into Week 7:

Dave Rivera and Vincent Mercogliano: 4-2

Steve Edelson: 3-2

Art Stapleton: 3-3

Chris Iseman, Bob Jordan and Brian Marron: 2-4

Bert Bainbridge: 1-5

Here are our staff predictions for Giants vs. Eagles on Sunday:

Art Stapleton

The pick: Eagles 16, Giants 10

Here’s why: Saquon Barkley’s return to MetLife is going to grab all the attention. The last time he was in the building, he was helping the Giants beat the Eagles. He was not extremely productive against the Browns (18 carries, 47 yards, 2.6 average per carry). Whichever team decides to not boot away opportunities. The Eagles have been fortunate to make a decisive play here or there to avoid the kind of losses that have left the Giants feeling empty inside against the Commanders, Cowboys and Bengals. The difference between Hurts and Jones is that the former continues to find ways to make a play with the game on the line to help his team prevail. The Giants have scored just one offensive touchdown at home this year, and it’s hard envisioning those struggles ending with LT Andrew Thomas likely out for the season with a foot injury.

Bert Bainbridge

The pick: Eagles 24, Giants 17

Here’s why: The boo birds will be echoing throughout MetLife Stadium every time Saquon Barkley touches the ball in his first game back in the Meadowlands. Following a season-low 47 rushing yards in Week 6 versus Cleveland, Barkley has a monster day against his former team, with the Eagles beating the G-Men for the 14th time in the last 18 meetings.

Bob Jordan

The pick: Giants 20-17

Here’s why: It’s Barkley Bowl I. Giants fans still upset over losing Saquon Barkley to the Eagles can also blame the Eagles for putting the free agent system on steroids because the Birds played poverty and let defensive stalwart Reggie White get away and sign with the Packers in 1993, the first offseason that featured free agency.  But in White’s first game against his old team, the Eagles won 20-17. Advantage Giants.

Brian Marron

The pick: Giants 23, Eagles 17

Here’s why: The Eagles are struggling mightily on offense, and that should help a Giants team playing strong defense the last few weeks. Saquon Barkley is sure to break off a big run or two, but a bang-up Eagles offensive line will make it tough for the Birds to consistently move the ball. The Giants should be able to take advantage of a suspect secondary enough to eek out a win.

BetMGM is the premier destination for sportsbook odds throughout the year.

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