Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell and New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell and New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
In a must-win game, the Philadelphia Eagles are set to take on their NFC East rivals, the New York Giants, for an early Sunday afternoon showdown.
Philly enters the game on a six-game losing streak and a 2-6 record this season after losing to the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders in back-to-back weeks. New York is coming off a bye week and leads the NFC East with a 4-2-1 record.
The Eagles need to beat the Giants if they want to save their season from completely falling apart. Here is a game preview of their Week 9 showdown before Philly's bye week.
How to watch Eagles vs. Giants in Week 9
Predictions for Eagles vs. Giants
Eagles injury report for Week 9
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Name, Position Injury Wed. Status
Saquon Barkley, RB Hamstring/Back DNP
Jihaad Campbell, LB Hamstring/Quad DNP
Michael Carter, S Abdomen DNP
Britain Covey, WR Knee DNP
Jonathan Jones, CB Hamstring DNP
DeVonta Smith, WR Hamstring DNP
Dontayvion Wicks, WR Ankle DNP
Jake Elliott, K Right Ankle LP
Jonathan Greenard, EDGE Ankle LP
Jalyx Hunt, EDGE Knee/Ankle LP
Zack Baun, LB Shoulder Full
Markel Bell, OT Finger Full
Jordan Davis, DT Thumb Full
Landon Dickerson, OG Hip Full
Dallas Goedert, TE Knee Full
Tanner McKee, QB Chest Full
Kenny Moore II, S Glute Full
Moro Ojomo, DT Neck Full
Giants injury report for Week 9
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Name, Position Injury Wed. Status
Abdul Carter, EDGE Illness DNP
Cam Skattebo, RB Hamstring DNP
Jermaine Eluemunor, OT Calf Limited
Malik Harrison, LB Groin Limited
Colton Hood, CB Illness Limited
Charlie Jones, WR Hand Limited
Andrew Thomas, OT Groin Limited
Theo Johnson, TE Neck Full
Marcus Mbow, OL Knee Full
DJ Reader, DL Knee Full
How to watch Eagles vs. Giants in Week 9
Date: Sunday, November 8
Time: 12:00 pm EST
TV: FOX
Announcers: Joe Davis, Greg Olsen, Pam Oliver (sideline reporter)
Top Eagles storylines for showdown against Giants
Joe Milton III makes his first career start against the Giants
The Eagles made a quick change at quarterback after three starts for Tanner McKee, rolling with Joe Milton as the starter against the Giants. It's his first career start after playing in a handful of games with the New England Patriots and the Dallas Cowboys over the last two seasons.
Milton brings a different dynamic to the offense that the Eagles need, as he is mobile and has a rocket arm. That combination could be the recipe Philly needs to find a win against a Giants team on the verge of running away with the division.
Eagles might once again be without DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks
Once again, the Eagles may not have Smith or Wicks in the starting lineup for the third straight game. That would be a nightmare scenario for a passing game that has struggled without its top two receivers.
Rookie Makai Lemon has really stepped up as the leading receiver in the last two games. Watch for Darius Cooper and Hollywood Brown to play bigger roles in the passing game now that Milton is at quarterback and willing to throw it deep.
Philly's edge rushers will be tested against the Giants
This Eagles pass rush has struggled, with just four sacks in the last three games. Jonathan Greenard is still banged up and barely practicing, and Jalyx Hunt is playing through his injury.
Nolan Smith Jr. is the only pass rusher currently playing at a consistent level at the moment. Greenard and Hunt need to step up against a Giants offensive line that has allowed 21 sacks in seven games, so there's an opportunity to make plays.
Can Eagles' run defense stop the Giants?
While the Giants' running game has been inconsistent this season, they are coming off a game where they ran for 188 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. They are going to want to feed the ball to Skattabo after he is finally starting to catch fire for them (if he is healthy enough to play).
That's bad news for an Eagles run defense that has been pretty awful all year, ranking 28th in run defense, allowing 131.9 yards pre game. If the Eagles can't slow down this Giants rushing attack, it's going to be a very long day for Philly's defense that is already having some struggles with allowing big plays in the secondary.
Read more:Latest Eagles trade rumor is leading to a predictable Landon Dickerson conclusion
Predictions for Eagles vs. Giants
Passing yards leader: Joe Milton
Rushing yards leader: Cam Skattabo
Receiving yards leader: Malik Nabors
Who wins the turnover battle: Giants
Final score prediction: Giants 30, Eagles 17