The Giants are officially locked into the sixth seed in the playoffs. This means that their Week 18 game against the Philadelphia Eagles is meaningless for them. The Giants should rest their starters against the Philadelphia Eagles. There is simply nothing to gain from playing them in a meaningless game.
Brian Daboll, who should be the NFL’s Coach of the Year this year, hasn’t committed on playing his starters this week. He said that he will do what’s in the best interest of the team.
The move that would be in the best interest of the team is making sure that the team is healthy to play in the playoffs. The Giants should rest their starters so that they’re ready to take on the Vikings or 49ers one week later. The last thing the team needs is another injury to a key player right before the playoffs.
I trust that Brian Daboll will make the correct decision. The best ability is availability come playoff time. That can be the difference between making a deep playoff run and going home early.
Week 18 Is Not About the Eagles
Some fans want the Giants to play their starters because of a personal vendetta against the Eagles. I hate the Eagles just as much as the next guy but the Giants should rest their starters for their own benefit. It has nothing to do with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Additionally, there’s a chance that if the Giants win their first round playoff game that they will take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round. It would be unwise if the Giants put anything important on film for the Eagles to study and use against them in the playoffs. The Giants should rest their starters so that the Eagles have the least amount of information possible.
The Giants should rest their starters so that the team is rested and prepared for a playoff run. The real season starts in twelve days and it’s all about putting a fifth trophy in the case.