Executive Summary
The January 5, 2025, NFC East rivalry matchup between the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field concluded with a 20-13 victory for the home team. This Week 18 NFL regular-season game was characterized by a stout Eagles defensive performance that limited the Giants to just 238 total yards and forced a critical turnover. While the Giants kept it close, the Eagles’ more efficient passing attack and control of the game’s tempo proved decisive
Game Overview and Final Score
| Category | New York Giants | Philadelphia Eagles |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 13 | 20 |
| Total Yards | 238 | 303 |
| Passing Yards | 138 | 252 |
| Rushing Yards | 100 | 51 |
| Time of Possession | 30:12 | 29:48 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| First Downs | 10 | 21 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 4-14 (28.6%) | 3-14 (21.4%) |
| Penalties-Yards | 6-40 | 1-5 |
The Eagles secured a 14-3 regular-season record with this win, while the Giants finished a challenging season at 3-14. The victory underscored Philadelphia’s defensive prowess and ability to win close, low-scoring games despite resting some starters ahead of the playoffs.
New York Giants Player Statistics and Key Performances
Offensive Struggles
- Drew Lock (QB): Completed 22 of 29 passes (75.9%) for 138 yards, with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. He achieved a passer rating of 82.3 but was sacked twice for a loss of 17 yards.
- Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB): Carried the ball 14 times for 59 yards, averaging 4.2 yards per carry with a long run of 16 yards.
- Malik Nabers (WR): Caught 5 passes for 64 yards and the team’s sole offensive touchdown on a 45-yard deep pass from Lock in the fourth quarter. Targeted 8 times.
- Wan’Dale Robinson (WR): Led the team in targets (11) and receptions (10), but finished with only 43 yards, reflecting the offense’s inability to stretch the field.
Defensive Efforts
- Top Tacklers: LB Darius Muasau recorded 8 tackles (3 solo) with 1 tackle for loss. S Dane Belton added 4 tackles (2 solo).
- Pass Rush: Kayvon Thibodeaux registered 1.5 sacks, while Brian Burns added 0.5 sacks, bringing the Eagles QB down twice.
Philadelphia Eagles Player Statistics and Key Performances
Efficient Passing Attack
- Tanner McKee (QB): Completed 27 of 41 passes (65.9%) for 269 yards and 2 touchdowns, posting a passer rating of 100.6. He spread the ball effectively to nine different receivers.
- Will Shipley (RB): Led the backfield with 10 carries for 32 yards (3.2 avg). Added 4 receptions for 35 yards.
- Jahan Dotson (WR): Hauled in 7 receptions for 94 yards on 11 targets, consistently moving the chains.
- Touchdown Makers: Ainias Smith caught a 15-yard touchdown (4 receptions, 35 yards). TE E.J. Jenkins added a 7-yard TD in the fourth quarter.
Dominant Defensive Display
- Tackling Machines: LB Oren Burks recorded a game-high 17 tackles (8 solo) with 2 tackles for loss. Rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr. added 11 tackles (2 solo).
- Secondary Standouts: Sydney Brown secured the game’s only interception with a 21-yard return.
Special Teams and Coaching
- Kicking: Giants K Graham Gano went 2-for-2 on field goals (25, 53 yards) and hit his lone PAT. Eagles K Jake Elliott went 2-for-3, converting from 24 and 32 yards.
- Coaching: The Eagles’ victory capped a season praised for their elite roster depth, offensive tackle duo, and defensive strength.
Historical Context and Rivalry Significance
This game added another chapter to the storied NFC East rivalry. The Eagles extended their dominance, leading the all-time series 96-89-2. The win had little playoff implication for Philadelphia, who had already clinched their division, but it provided momentum heading into the postseason.
Fantasy Football Implications
- Eagles QB Tanner McKee: 269 yards and 2 TDs — a strong streaming option.
- Eagles LB Oren Burks: 17 tackles made him a top IDP play.
- Giants WR Malik Nabers: A 45-yard TD salvaged his fantasy value.
Key Takeaways and Conclusions
- Eagles’ Defensive Depth is Elite: Even with starters resting, Philadelphia’s defense controlled the game.
- Giants’ Offensive Woes Continue: Lack of consistent passing and drive-sustaining plays defined their season.
- Philadelphia’s Roster Strength: Depth players like Tanner McKee delivered, confirming the Eagles as top contenders for a Super Bowl run.