Cote: Big Thursday night for Eagles’ Barkley vs. his ex the Giants? Our pick
EAGLES (4-1) at GIANTS (1-4)
Line: PHI by 7 1/2.
Cote’s pick: PHI, 30-10.
TV: 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Prime Video.
NFC East duel (albeit a lopsided one) kicks off NFL Week 6, and I’m going a bit against form on this pick. Standard thinking is that 7 1/2 points is a lot to gift a home ‘dog in a rivalry -- especially in what hints at a low-scoring prime-time game. But I like Philly in something of a breakout game offensively. Top teams tend to bounce back from losses, so last week’s to Denver will amp-up the Eagles, who are perceived as not as strong as last year’s champions but should look closer to that level here. Saquon Barkley, underwhelming thus far, should cash his first 100-yard ground game vs. an NYG run-D being gashed for 140 yards per game. Barkley ran for 176 last year in his first game vs. his longtime former team and he’ll be thusly motivated again. (Saquon’s on injury list as questionable [knee] but there’s next-to-zero doubt he’ll play.) And that ground game in turn will help Jalen Hurts bust out the outside deep game with A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith against a vulnerable Biggies’ secondary. Phils are on a 6-1 run in this series, and G-Men rookie QB Jaxson Dart is coming off a three-turnover game. All that makes me lean rout over a tight one.
Note: Betting line courtesy ESPNBet as of midday Wednesday.
This story was originally published October 8, 2025 at 3:12 PM.
