Can the Giants beat the Eagles? New York's road to victory in highly-anticipated Divisional round clash

The New York Giants have already stunned the league this season. They were not largely expected to qualify for the postseason, let alone win a playoff game on the road.

All campaign long, the New York Giants have risen above the odds. The top-seeded Philadelphia Eagles are a significant favorite versus the Giants, largely because they already have two wins against them this year.

Philadelphia have defeated New York three times in a row and eight times in the past 10. GO back further and they're 16 from the last 20. The Eagles now hold a 91-87-2 head-to-head record against the Giants. It's also important to note that the Giants have not defeated the Eagles on the road since October 2013.

The Eagles are a star-studded squad with eight Pro Bowlers, six All-Pros, an MVP frontrunner, and a possible Coach of the Year. It is simple to pick the Eagles as the favorites in this matchup since the Giants appear to be a gutsy, spirited group of over-achievers, many of whom are playing in prove-it campaigns.

Defeating the Eagles may require their biggest performance of the season. Even while it's a lot to expect, it is not unachievable. New York defeated the second-seeded Minnesota Vikings away from home in one of the biggest upsets of Super Wild Card Weekend.

Here are the four keys to victory for the New York Giants:

#1. The Giants need to play tough, clean football

Washington Commanders v New York Giants

They need to keep penalties to a minimum and avoid turnovers. The Eagles offense is too good to be handing them the ball and keeping them on the field. New York have to keep this one close and play to their strengths, particularly in the running game.

#2. Run the ball often and effectively

A game-script where New York are chasing the game could spell disaster, so it's imperative they start strong and keep the game close. Running the football is not just about scoring in this one. It's about keeping your defense on the sidelines resting up. It's about wearing down the Eagles defense, quieting the Philadelphia crowd (easier said than done) and making space for your receivers on play-action.

The Giants will lean on Saquon Barkley and QB Daniel Jones to move the chains and the ball methodically down the field. They need to wear down that defense and periodically hit them with a deep play down the field.

3. Manage the game and the clock flawlessly

Game management is key here too. It's going to be loud so keep an eye on the playclock, use timeouts and challenges wisely and ensure you score the last possession of the half.

We saw some odd challenges, play calls, and delays (in particular the Miami Dolphins' delay of game penalty) that helped decide games in the WIld Card round. The Giants turned the ball over on downs against the Vikings to win the game on a three-yard pass that needed 11.

Play simple, tough football and avoid the flamboyant, high-risk play calls that have already cost teams in the postseason. Let the Eagles take the risks, just keep it calm throughout the game no matter what happens.

4. Defensive turnovers/stands

: Dane Belton #24 intercepts a pass intended for Phillip Dorsett

Keeping the pressure on Philadelphia is integral, especially with them not being in the best of form since Jalen Hurts went down with an injury. The best way to do that is to take the ball from them.

Playing tough defense and winning in the trenches is key. Putting pressure on Hurts while keeping a close watch on his weapons is a tough ask, especially with his ability to break free and run down the field.

Spying the quarterback is a must here, as he cannot be allowed to break off chunks with his legs. Calling the right plays on defense is crucial against this Philadelphia offense, as is covering A.J. Brown.

If they can't force the fumble, if they can't land the pick, it could be a long night. If New York can't turnover the ball, they'll have to make a couple of goalline stands. It's a very difficult job, but holding the Eagles to field goals rather than touchdowns could be the difference between victory and defeat.