Oct 5, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) catches the go-ahead touchdown over Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford (23) in the 4th quarter during the game at MetLife Stadium. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
New York Giants (3-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)
Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia – TV: NBC
*TV announcers: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya
*Keys to the game: The Giants found nice balance on offense, with the ground game contributing to improved pass protection for QB Eli Manning despite averaging just 3.7 yards per carry. A bigger load falls on rookie RB Andre Williams (3.1 yards per carry) with Rashad Jennings sidelined. The Eagles have struggled equally defending the run and pass this season, but want to limit Williams and force Manning into the long passing downs that leave him prone to mistakes. For his part, Manning is showing vastly improved confidence in his footwork and decision-making in coordinator Ben McAdoo’s offense.
The Eagles still need to get RB LeSean McCoy (2.9 yards per carry) untracked, especially with the Giants’ surging defensive line recording nine of its 10 sacks over the past four games. QB Nick Foles will also look to stretch the field and test CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (knee), who would likely be replaced by 5-9 Trumaine McBride if he’s unable to go or is limited as he was last week. The Giants have allowed at least one reception of 20-plus yards in every game and have allowed eight of 30-plus yards.
*Matchup to watch – Giants linebackers vs. Eagles RB Darren Sproles: According to Pro Football Focus, Sproles has caught 10 out of 11 pass targets in the middle of the field for 163 yards. Expect the Giants to involve a safety in keeping tabs on Sproles out of the backfield.
*Player spotlight – Giants WR Odell Beckham, Jr.: The rookie engineered a smashing regular-season debut last week, catching four passes for 44 yards and a touchdown among his 35 snaps. He’s expected to see an increased role.
*Fast facts: Of the teams’ seven combined victories, only two — one each — have come against teams with a winning record. … The Giants are tied for fourth in the NFL with 41 points off takeaways.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Both teams have managed to post winning records through five games, though substantial questions remain about just how good either one is. In the absence of enough data to confirm the upper hand, the Eagles squeak out a key divisional tilt at home.
*Our pick: Eagles 24-23
