victor cruz
New York Giants wide receiver, Victor Cruz, looks to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants are suddenly the team to beat in the NFC East. After starting the season 0-2 and experts calling for New York to push the panic button, the Giants and Eli Manning have responded by rolling off three straight victories.

The Philadelphia Eagles on the other hand, are a very deceiving 4-1. The Eagles deserve credit for finding ways to win, but have not impressed on either side of the ball in their four victories. The two rivals meet on NBC’s Sunday Night Football, with first place in the NFC East on the line.

The game showcases a pair of Latino stars on both teams. The Eagles feature backup quarter Mark Sanchez who after years of starting for the Jets knows just how hard it can be to play quarterback in New York under the scrutiny of the media spotlight. The Giants have Puerto Rican receiver, Victor Cruz, who has become one of the most popular players in the NFL thanks to his salsa dancing celebrations and national commercials.

Cruz will look to continue his success against the Eagles defense, as he has been a nightmare to cover for the Eagles secondary. Cruz, who leads the Giants in receiving yards, now has help around him in tight end, Larry Donnell, and rookie receiver, Odell Beckham Jr. who made his NFL debut with a touchdown last week.

The two rivals have been talking trash through the media all week and all eyes will be on the field to see if the anger and tension carries over. The two teams split the season series last year, with New York losing early 36-21, only to shut down the Eagles high-octane offense 16-7 in Week 8.

The Giants own the better record all-time against their rivals, as they have won 85 out of the 164 matchups. However, the Eagles have had the Giants number as of late, winning 9 out of their last 12 meetings since 2007. Both teams will be out for blood as they search for a statement victory and control of the division.

My Prediction: 27-21 Giants.

Betting Odds Courtesy of Bovad.lv:

New York Giants: +3 (-130)
Philadelphia Eagles: -3 (+110)
Over/Under: 51

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