The NFL has seen teams commit many famous blunders through its history. From the Atlanta Falcons’ infamous 28-3 implosion at Super Bowl LI, to Jerry Jones’ decision to show Jimmy Johnson the door, and, most recently, the New York Giants’ decision to do the same to Saquon Barkley in 2024.
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Last season, and even after the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl, people were still wondering about the Giants’ willingness to let the most talented running back in the league walk out of the building for free. And Barkley has made them pay for it, and then some.
The star RB produced one of the greatest rushing performances in the history of the sport since leaving New York. And he even managed to average more than 10 yards per carry against the Giants in each of their two meetings last season. Now that those demons have been exorcised, Barkley is insisting that there are no hard feelings left ahead of their Week 6 matchup this Thursday.
“It’s a year removed from it now,” Barkley said when asked about getting another crack at his former employer. “It is what it is. I’m just focused on trying to get back on track and getting a big win in the NFC East.”
The Eagles might win big. But a victory against the Giants is all but expected at this point in the season. The G-Men have been averaging a little more than 14 points per game in the past three weeks.
And while Barkley was more than willing to give their defense some credit, oddsmakers aren’t willing to extend them that same courtesy. Philadelphia is currently being listed as a -7.5 point favorite against their divisional rival this week. Even though both of these teams are coming off a loss, one is 4-1 while the other is 1-4.
The teams against which the two lost in Week 5 tell a tale of their own, too. The Giants lost to the New Orleans Saints; the Eagles went down to the Denver Broncos.
A loss against the Saints is one of the worst things that any team could have on its record this season. While a loss to the Broncos is more than understandable. After all, they have the budding talent of Bo Nix.
Bettors, casual fans, former players, and analysts alike are all predicting another divisional victory for the Eagles this week. It would be their 97th victory against the Giants, and it would also help to push them toward their 14th divisional title.
At this point, the only hope that you can find in New York is the hope that Barkley takes things easy on them. Otherwise, the final score could be even more ugly than the negotiating skills of the Giants’ front office.
