The New York Giants (5-11) host the Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) in the 2023 regular-season finale at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday afternoon.
Here are five storylines to follow before kickoff in Week 18.
The game has meaning
The Eagles can still take the NFC East title with a victory over the Giants combined with a Dallas loss in Washington.
Kickoff for both games is set for 4:25 p.m. ET so both games are expected to be competitive.
If Dallas wins, the Eagles — regardless of the outcome of their game — will be relegated to the fifth seed in the NFC and face the NFC South champion on the road on Wild Card Weekend.
The Giants currently hold the fifth overall selection in next year’s NFL draft. Depending on how things shake out, they can end up as high as No. 2 and as low as No. 8.
Key injuries
The Giants will be without starting safety Jason Pinnock (toe) and rookie cornerback Deonte Banks (shoulder) is doubtful.
Another rookie, center John Michael Schmitz (shin), is questionable.
For Philadelphia, cornerback Darius Slay (knee) and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (ankle) are out and Pro Bowl running back D’Andre Swift (illness) did not participate in practice on Friday and is listed as questionable.
Could we see Tommy DeVito on Sunday?
Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been limited this week with a back injury. He will start on Sunday but it might be possible that he gets relieved by Tommy DeVito at some point in the game.
Although head coach Brian Daboll said Taylor was “Fine,” the Giants brought back Jacob Eason (practice squad) just in case.
“Ty was on the injury report, so we figured we’d get another quarterback in here, see where he was in practice, and he’s done a good job,” said Daboll.
Swan song for many familiar faces
There will be many changes this offseason, but what will they be? Which coordinators will go and who will stay? And what about assistant coaches?
There’s always turnover every year and the way some of the units have performed this season, not everyone will be back. These decisions may have already been made, but expect the coaches to put their best feet forward.
As for players, one has to wonder about the future of Saquon Barkley, Xavier McKinney, Adoree’ Jackson, and Sterling Shepard, among others. This could be their last game in Blue.
Pro Bowl snubs
Several Giants have to be disappointed they missed out on the Pro Bowl.
Outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, special teamer Nick McCloud, and punter Jamie Gillan all came close to being voted in but fell short.
Saquon Barkley also was left on the outside looking in.
There will be extra motivation from that group — and the rest of the team fighting for jobs and career survival this Sunday.
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