The New York Giants, behind a solid first-quarter effort from quarterback Jaxson Dart, took a 13-10 lead over the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, on Thursday night at MetLife Stadium. But the Eagles came back to take a 17-13 lead in the second quarter, taking back control of the game.
While the Eagles are already presumed to be playoff-bound in the 2025 NFL season, what would a victory against Philadelphia do for the Giants’ playoff hopes?
What Do Playoff Hopes Look Like For Giants?
Dart had one touchdown using his legs and another through his passing. The Giants came out roaring, looking to improve their 1-4 record.
But the victory would immediately improve the Giants’ playoff hopes. According to the PFSN Game Impact Analysis, a win would increase the Giants’ chance of making the NFL playoffs from 3% to 5.9%.
JAXSON DART IMPROVISES. ROBINSON YACs. TOUCHDOWN GIANTS 🔥
PHIvsNYG on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/YnuvxJPlhb— NFL (@NFL) October 10, 2025
There’s nothing better that Big Blue would love to do in front of a national television audience to show that they are worthy of reaching the playoffs. If the 4-1 Eagles win, their Impact Analysis percentage for the playoffs goes from 80.9 percent to 86.9 percent.
Right now, according to the PFSN Offense Impact metrics, the Giants have a 61.9 offense impact score. Philadelphia, under head coach Nick Sirianni, has a 71.8 offense impact score. The Eagles took the lead behind starting quarterback Jalen Hurts, going over from one yard out as the “Tush Push” was used yet again.
For Dart, he wants to have a comeback game. In his first start, Dart led the Giants to a victory over the Los Angeles Chargers but didn’t look sharp in a 26-14 loss to the New Orleans Saints. The Giants decided to give Dart the starting QB role after Russell Wilson, who signed a free agent deal with New York in the offseason, was ineffective.
After the Eagles game on Thursday night, the Giants will face the Denver Broncos, Philadelphia again, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Chicago Bears in their next four games. Dart and the Giants’ offense must be impactful in those contests to improve their NFL playoff chances.
That’s a tough stretch ahead for Giants head coach Brian Daboll and his team after squaring off against Saquon Barkley and the Eagles at home.
For the Eagles, who suffered their first loss of the season against the Denver Broncos in Week 5, their next four games have them going up against the Minnesota Vikings, a home game with the Giants, a road game against the Packers, and a road game against the Lions.