2024 NFL Picks – Week 18: Giants at Eagles

The Matchup. Edge: None.

The Adventures of Tom Brady’s Haircuts are complete. They may return in the future, but I had to stop them for now. Besides, I wrote a similar-type book is called How the 2020 MVP Was Stolen:

Oh, and my other book is still available as well:

In this book, I talk about the top NFL Draft busts, and what would’ve happened had each team gone a different route. Also, I discuss why Roger Goodell has banned us from the NFL Combine.

RESTED STARTERS: The Eagles are expected to rest their starters in this game because they are locked into the No. 2 seed no matter what happens in the Lions-Vikings game. There’s some speculation that they will try to give Saquon Barkley the all-time single-season rushing record, but that doesn’t seem likely to happen.

RECAP: This game means nothing to the Eagles, who will be stuck with the No. 2 seed. However, there is an obvious stat implication that must be addressed. That would obviously be Barkley, who will break Eric Dickerson’s all-time single-season rushing yards record if he rushes for 101 yards.

I don’t think Barkley goes for it. If Barkley had 20 or 30 rushing yards to get there, I think he’d give it a shot. Even 50 might warrant some playing time. However, there’s no guarantee that Barkley will get 101 rushing yards if he plays the entire game. The Giants, trying their best to avoid humiliation, will do everything in their power to make sure Barkley doesn’t get the record. They’ll stack the box and they’ll go after Barkley’s knees. This could end in disaster.

If I’m right, the Giants are the play at +3.5. The Eagles shouldn’t be favored by this many points with Tanner McKee throwing to practice squad players. Then again, the Giants are a dreadful team, so I don’t want to back them either, especially when considering that they’re a bad team coming off a win.

THURSDAY THOUGHTS: The Eagles have made it official and announced that Saquon Barkley will not be going for the record, which is the correct decision. By the way, Jalen Hurts is still in concussion protocol, which is very worrying.

SATURDAY NOTES: If you plan on betting the Giants as a result of the Eagles sitting their starters, note that the Giants will be missing their center and fill-in right tackle. It may not matter, but the Giants have some significant injuries.

PLAYER PROPS: Betting Saquon Barkley would have been fun. Oh well. I’m passing on the props here because the Eagles will sit their starters, and I don’t know how the Giants will perform against Philadelphia’s backups.

FINAL THOUGHTS: There’s some sharp money coming in on the Giants at +3. The best line is +3 -105 at Caesars. You can Get $1,000 First Bet on Caesars by clicking the link.

The Motivation. Edge: None.

No edge found.

The Spread. Edge: Giants.

WalterFootball.com Calculated Spread: Eagles -1.5.

Westgate Advance Point Spread: N/A.

Computer Model: N/A.

The Vegas. Edge: None.

All of the money on the Eagles.

Percentage of money on Philadelphia: 77% (69,000 bets)

The Trends. Edge: None.

History: Eagles have won 28 the last 34 meetings.

Opening Line: Eagles -3.5.

Opening Total: 38.5.

Weather: Slight chance of snow, 32 degrees. Mild wind, 13 mph.