The New York Giants, with a disappointing 3-13 record, are set to face off against the Philadelphia Eagles, the NFC Champions, in Philadelphia. The Eagles, having secured the #2 seed in the NFC, will rest several starters, including star running back Saquon Barkley, whose chance to break Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record will be postponed. Barkley has expressed his agreement with the decision, prioritizing team success over individual accolades.

The betting line has seen minimal movement despite the news, with the total points expected to drop from 38.5 to 37.5. Analysts, including NBC Sports' Brad Thomas, suggest betting the under due to the Giants' struggles to score, averaging only 16.5 points per game. The Eagles are expected to maintain their high rushing rate even with key offensive players resting.

Ihrmir Smith-Marsette, the New York Giants' return specialist, has earned the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award for Week 17 following an impressive 100-yard kickoff return touchdown during the Giants' 45-33 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. This remarkable play occurred on the opening kickoff of the second half, marking Smith-Marsette's second career kickoff return touchdown and the first for the Giants since Dwayne Harris achieved a similar feat in 2015.

This touchdown is particularly significant as it reflects the changing dynamics of kickoff returns under the league’s new rules, being the seventh such return this season and just the 24th in the history of the Giants franchise. Smith-Marsette joins linebacker Isaiah Simmons in receiving NFC Special Teams honors this season, highlighting the impact of special teams on the Giants' performance.

After signing Smith-Marsette as a free agent due to an injury to Gunner Olszewski, he has made a notable contribution in his fourth NFL season, averaging 34.6 yards on 11 kickoff returns and 7.5 yards on 27 punt returns. As the Giants prepare for their next challenge, the team looks to build on this momentum with their recent successes in special teams.

In Week 15 of the NFL, several players made notable contributions despite mixed results for their teams. Dante Stills and Kyzir White led the Arizona Cardinals to a victory over the New England Patriots, with White achieving a team-high 12 tackles.

Meanwhile, Rasul Douglas helped the Buffalo Bills secure a win against the Detroit Lions. David Long Jr. struggled defensively in the same game.

Other players like Bryce Ford-Wheaton of the New York Giants and Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks had challenging outings, while several players remained on practice squads.

The New York Giants are gearing up for their Week 12 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a mix of optimism and concern regarding player injuries.

Receiver Malik Nabers has been added to the injury report due to a groin issue, though there is hope he will play. Inside linebacker Micah McFadden is also questionable with a heel injury.

Other players, including Bryce Ford-Wheaton, Darius Muasau, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, are listed as questionable, while Darius Slayton has been cleared from concussion protocol.

Chuba Hubbard of the Carolina Panthers had a standout performance, achieving a career-high in rushing yards after signing a contract extension. He rushed for 153 yards and scored a touchdown, especially excelling in the absence of injured backup Miles Sanders.

Meanwhile, the New York Giants' rookie receivers struggled, failing to surpass 50 receiving yards. The Panthers' offense may see changes with Adam Thielen's potential return from injury, impacting the wide receiver lineup.