NFL Playoffs – NFC Divisional Matchup Eagles @ Giants

The Philadelphia Eagles (10-6-1 SU, 11-6 ATS, 7-9-1 O/U) and New York Giants (12-4 SU, 12-4 ATS, 8-7-1 O/U) will meet for the third time this season, this time in a divisional round showdown with the right to play in the NFC Championship game riding on the line.

Philadelphia advanced to this matchup by pounding the Minnesota Vikings unmercifully in the second half of their 26-14 wildcard win on Sunday.

The Birds easily covered the spread for BetOnline NFL betting backers as a 3.5-point road favorite in the BetOnline Sportsbook.

Veteran quarterback Donovan McNabb completed 23 of 234 passes for 300 yards with a touchdown and an interception for Philadelphia, while elusive running back Brian Westbrook rushed for 38 yards on 20 carries and caught a 71-yard touchdown pass in the win.

"I’ve seen this team have confidence in each other and try to have one another’s back," McNabb said. "What you’re seeing is a team playing with a lot of energy, playing with emotion, and just having fun."

Cornerback Asante Samuel added a 44-yard interception return for a score.

"I think we’re dangerous," Samuel said. "We’ve just got to see how it plays out."

The Eagles also pressured Vikings quarterback Tavaris Jackson unmercifully while holding the Vikes scoreless in the second half.

"I think we rattled him kind of toward the end," defensive end Trent Cole said. "He had to get rid of the ball quick and move around. He was probably getting tight from a lot of pressure."

The Giants lost to Minnesota 20-19 in Week 17, but covered the spread for BetOnline NFL sports betting enthusiasts as a 7-point underdog in the BetOnline Sportsbook, despite playing their second stringers in the second half against Minnesota’s starters.

Quarterback Eli Manning passed for 119 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in limited action for New York, while Derrick Ward rushed for 77 yards on 15 carries.

Here is a look at the key trends for each team, followed by my in-depth analysis and NFL Free Picks.

Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

Philadelphia is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia’s last 6 games on the road

The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Philadelphia’s last 12 games when playing on the road against NY Giants

NY Giants are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games at home

NY Giants are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games at home

The total has gone UNDER in 10 of the NY Giants last 12 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

NY Giants are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games

NFL Odds

Philadelphia Eagles +4 -110

New York Giants -4 -110

Over 40 -110

Under 40 -110

Analysis: The Eagles are playing solid football at the moment, but I just don’t think they’re going to be up to the task of marching into Giants Stadium and beating the defending champs.

The extra week off should have thoroughly recharged the Giants’ batteries as they gear up for another extended postseason run.

Take the Over and the G-Men in this contest to double up on your winnings – and fun!

NFL Free Picks: Giants 27 Eagles 21