On Pattison Picks: Can Eagles Avoid Upset In Saquon's Return to NY?

The Eagles defeated the Cleveland Browns out of the bye last Sunday, but by only just four points. The postgame story — and really, this entire week — became Nick Sirianni's late-game jawing with fans, and his subsequent apology on Monday. 

Still, the Eagles are 3-2 and have what's seemingly a game they should win in Week 7 against the New York Giants. It's also Saquon Barkley's first trip back to MetLife Stadium since leaving the division-rival Giants in free agency to sign with the Eagles this past offseason. Despite an underwhelming performance in Week 6, Barkley has been tremendous early in his days with the Eagles, rushing for 482 yards in five games. He'll likely receive a cold reception from Giants fans, even though it doesn't appear New York made much of an effort to retain the former Offensive Rookie of the Year. 

The Eagles are 3 1/2-point favorites on the road, and the Giants are already 0-3 at home. Can the Eagles cash in on the opportunity for what should be a comfortable win? 

Tim Kelly

Score: Eagles 24, Giants 16

Game MVP: A.J. Brown

Obviously, the natural MVP pick here if the Eagles are going to win is Saquon Barkley. But whenever A.J. Brown is on the field, he seems to be the best player. The success of the Eagles' passing game — particularly with Dallas Goedert out — is so dependent on Brown having multiple explosive plays every week. That may not be a sustainable strategy, but it will be enough for the Eagles to get by the Giants. 

Anthony SanFilippo

Score: Eagles 24, Giants 23 

Game MVP: Grant Calcaterra

Anybody who thought the Eagles were going to cruise through this soft underbelly of their schedule saw last week that they are a flawed football team. There's still a significant talent gap between the Eagles and Giants, but there's also something hanging over the Eagles with their embattled coach and melancholy quarterback that this team can't shake. Everyone thinks this is going to be a huge game for Saquon Barkley, and as much as he wants to destroy the Giants, they want to stonewall him. The result will probably be somewhere in between. But while the Giants focus on Barkley, look for Calcaterra to be under the radar effective. He scores a big, late touchdown to secure a tight victory.

Friday's Injury Report#PHIvsNYG pic.twitter.com/EWLAG46Xyf

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 18, 2024

John Foley

Score: Eagles 34, Giants 17

Game MVP: Saquon Barkley

It’s somehow already Week 7. And if the Eagles are going to gel under their new coordinators and look like contenders this season, this is the week to get going. It won’t be easy without Jordan Mailata and Dallas Goedert. But unfortunately, I have 100% talked myself into this scenario: build off last week’s win by crushing the Giants, then beat the Bengals and Jaguars. After that, on to Dallas.

Austin Krell

Score: Eagles 31, Giants 10

Game MVP: Saquon Barkley

Revenge is a dish best served cold. Let the running back run.