The New York Giants have nothing to play for in Week 18. The Giants have already clinched the sixth seed in the NFC with one game left to play in the regular season. All week long, there has been speculation as to whether or not Brian Daboll would rest the starters in this meaningless divisional matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. According to the New York Post, the New York Giants will be resting key starters such as Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley in their meaningless Week 18 matchup.
Brian Daboll choosing to rest key Giants starters in Week 18
At 9-6-1, the New York Giants are going to the postseason. Big Blue owns the sixth seed in the NFC and that cannot change regardless of what happens around the league in Week 18. Win, lose, or draw, the Giants will be the sixth seed. With this in mind, Brian Daboll is planning to preserve his best players for the postseason, using Week 18 as a free bye week.
Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley will not be suiting up against the Eagles this Sunday, according to the New York Post. In addition to Barkley and Jones, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and left tackle Andrew Thomas are also unlikely to see the field in Week 18.
After Friday’s practice, Brian Daboll ruled defensive tackle Leonard Williams (neck) and outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari (ankle) out for Week 18. Williams and Ojulari had been playing through injuries in recent weeks as the Giants fought to clinch a spot in the postseason. Their efforts have earned them the week off as Williams and Ojulari will spend the next week recovering and preparing to leave everything on the field for the playoffs.
The Giants have dealt with an onslaught of injuries this season. Their roster had been decimated by the midway point of the season. But heading into the postseason, the Giants are healthier than ever, and they plan to stay that way. By resting key players in Week 18, the Giants are avoiding any risks of significant injuries.