Running back Saquon Barkley will make his second return to MetLife Stadium since leaving the New York Giants when the Philadelphia Eagles seek to extend the Giants’ misery on “Thursday Night Football” to open Week 6.
The Giants have lost their past 10 appearances on Thursday nights spanning four coaching staffs over the past decade. They enter this appearance 1-4 on the season, while the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles sit at 4-1.
Both teams are coming off a loss, with the Giants falling to New Orleans and Philadelphia blowing a lead against Denver.
ODDS AND TRENDS
Philadelphia has covered the spread in seven of its past eight road games and the Eagles are a 7.5-point favorite at BetRivers, where they have drawn 78 percent of the spread-line money.
Philadelphia’s -420 moneyline has also been popular, having been backed by 86 percent of the money. The heavy underdog Giants (+310) have an 11-game losing streak against NFC opponents.
PROP PICKS
–Over 40.5 Points (-114 at BetRivers): Not only have the Eagles won their past three Thursday night games, each of their past five “TNF” contests have gone Over the total points line. The Over at the book has been backed by 72 percent of the money.
–Barkley Anytime TD (-165 at DraftKings): Barkley has scored at least one touchdown in five consecutive road games. He carried the ball 17 times for 176 yards and a touchdown at MetLife against the Giants last year, but enters this game seeking to reclaim his 2024 form. Barkley is 22nd in the NFL with 267 rushing yards, and the Giants would appear to be the right motivation for his first breakout performance of 2025.
KEY STAT
Barkley needs 11 scrimmage yards to become the first player from the 2018 draft class to reach 10,000.
“Obviously, with Saquon, he’s going to be juiced up, ready to go Thursday night here,” Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said. “So, it starts there, and then we got to make sure we do a good job handling these playmakers on the perimeter. They’re going to find ways to get them the ball. They always do.”
SERIES HISTORY
The Eagles have won seven of the last eight meetings, including the playoffs.
INJURY REPORT
Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart was a full participant in practice on both Tuesday and Wednesday after being listed as limited Monday with a hamstring issue.
Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. had no injury designation on Wednesday’s injury report, lining him up for a return against the Eagles.
Tracy, 25, has not played since Week 3 because of a shoulder injury and had been limited in practice this week. He has rushed for 68 yards on 22 carries in three games this season. The second-year back rushed for 839 yards with five TDs as a rookie last season.
Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (back) is questionable after being limited on Wednesday. Linebackers Swayze Bozeman (ankle) and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (hamstring) and wideout Darius Slayton (hamstring) did not participate in practice all week and have been ruled out for Thursday’s game.
Barkley was a limited participant on Tuesday and a full participant on Wednesday. He does not carry an injury designation into Thursday’s game.
Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (heel) is deemed as questionable after being listed as a limited participant in Wednesday’s estimated walkthrough session.
Linebacker Nakobe Dean (knee) also is listed as questionable to make his season debut. He sustained a torn patellar tendon in Philadelphia’s wild-card victory over the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 12.
Philadelphia ruled out left guard Landon Dickerson (ankle) and tight end Grant Calcaterra (oblique) for Thursday’s game.
THEY SAID IT
–“I don’t really know what you want. If I touch the ball too much sometimes, we’re not throwing enough. If we throw it too much and I only have nine touches — I’m not in the business of ‘What are we doing enough?’ I’m in the business of winning football games.” –Barkley, after carrying the ball only six times last week, his fewest in a game since Week 11 of 2021 while with the Giants.
–“Obviously, divisional games hold a little more weight. Understanding the history of this matchup and the intensity of it carries weight as well. I’m really just excited to get out there on the field Thursday night and have a lot of fun competing. It’s going to be a really cool environment.” –Dart, who won his home debut against the Los Angeles Chargers in his first NFL start in Week 4 and built a 14-3 lead last weekend at New Orleans before the Saints scored the game’s final 23 points.
PREDICTION
Dart has provided a spark to the Giants’ offense, along with a dual-threat dynamic that is keeping defenses thinking more. The Eagles’ veteran-laden defense is capable of containing Dart, especially with the Giants minus their vertical threat since Malik Nabers tore his ACL. Look for a balanced attack from the Eagles’ beleaguered offense, with both Barkley and wide receiver A.J. Brown getting their fair share of touches. –Eagles 31, Giants 20
