Thursday Night Football: Playoff Scenarios for the New York Giants

Last night, the New York Giants took on the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.

A win for the New York Giants would have secured their spot in the 2017 playoffs, however it seems the Eagles had other plans for the team. Out the gate, the Eagles took a 14-point lead in the first quarter, which was enough to get the ball rolling for the 5-9 team.

With only 286 yards of offense, Philly managed to pull it together in a 24-19 victory over the Giants, preventing a playoff berth for Eli Manning and the New York team. The secondary stole the show. They were able to intercept Manning three times; Malcolm Jenkins picked up two, including a pick-six.

“We’re disappointed right now in the way we played tonight,” Manning said, who threw for 356 yards. “We know we can bounce back next week and still get a win and get in the playoffs.”

While the Eagles aren’t flying anywhere for the post season, the playoffs are still in reach for the Giants. But in the meantime, their loss paid off for the division leaders and their division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys are now NFC East Champions, with home-field advantage through the conference playoffs.

Since the Giants handed over the title this week, the Cowboys could get the Giants in the playoffs if they defeat the Detroit Lions in Monday Night Football. That isn’t the only option for New York to extend their season. They still own the top wild-card position heading into their final game against the Washington Redskins and they can still clinch playoff berth with a Green Bay Packers loss or an Atlanta Falcons loss, this weekend.