Week 3 Sunday NFL Picks: NY Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles Odds and Predictions – Sunday Free NFL Picks 9/25

Week 3 Free NFL Picks: New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles NFL Week 3 Vegas Odds, Free Picks, and Expert Predictions on FOX 9/25/11: It is tough to make a punt one of the most memorable plays of the year, but when DeSean Jackson’s game-winning punt return for a touchdown against the New York Giants last season, it completely changed the playoff picture in the NFC. New York missed out on the postseason because of the special teams debacle, while the Eagles clinched the NFC East. The play is still being replayed on highlight reels, and it has to fresh in the minds of both teams as they prepare to meet in Philadelphia Sunday. Both teams are sitting at 1-1, but the Eagles are 8 ½-point favorites in this one.

Leading up to the game, all the talk has been about the health of Philadelphia QB Mike Vick. He was knocked out of last weekend’s game with a concussion, and the Eagles promptly blew a 10-point lead and eventually lost to the Atlanta Falcons. However, all indications are that Vick has passed all his screening tests and will be in the starting lineup Sunday.

While the Eagles appear to have caught a break with Vick’s speedy recovery, the suspect offensive line that allowed Vick to get banged up in the first place is still an issue. Not to mention the fact that the Giants are always among the best in the NFL at rushing the passer. Even with nagging injuries to defensive ends Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck, New York has still managed six sacks in two games. The Giants should add to that total Sunday, and if Vick is knocked out of the game, the advantage swings heavily to New York.

Philadelphia’s defensive line has received its share of scrutiny as well, and the Giants two-headed monster at running back will but the Eagles’ front line to the test. Ahmad Bradshaw provides the speed, and Brandon Jacobs provides the power. Jacobs in particular could do some damage, considering that power backs Steven Jackson and Michael Turner have had no problem running over the Philadelphia defense already in 2011. If New York can control the pace of the game with its rushing attack, Vick and company will have fewer chances to connect on big plays.

However, the Eagles defense is capable of making big plays as well. With arguably the best secondary in the NFL and a blitz-happy system, Philadelphia can score off an interception or fumble as easily as it can on a Vick touchdown pass. Giants QB Eli Manning has been known to make mistakes at times, and outside of Hakeem Nicks, the Eagles cornerbacks should have the advantage on every receiver the Giants have on the field. One bad throw from Manning could lead to a quick score for Philadelphia.

While Manning can be shaky at times, the Giants should be able to run early and often Sunday. Granted, the Eagles have more playmakers on offense and defense, but New York has the personnel to take advantage of the two biggest weaknesses the Eagles do have. Not to mention that as last year’s famous punt return finale suggests, games between these two NFC East rivals tend to come down to the final few series. Playing at home, Vick and company will likely make the plays in crunch time to get the win, but the Giants will hang tough and keep is close.

Prediction: New York Giants (+8 ½) Cover the Spread

Free NFL Football Picks and Predictions: New York Giants +8.5

Stop by NSAwins.com daily throughout the NFL Football season for daily Free NFL Picks and Vegas NFL Lines plus daily updated Super Bowl 2012 Futures Odds.