NFC Least leader could come out of Giants-Eagles game

Updated Oct. 21, 2020 12:25 p.m. ET

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It's so fitting to call the NFC East the NFC Least this season. Just adding an L to the division makes sense: Dallas, Washington, Philadelphia and the New York Giants have been collecting losses.

On Thursday night, the nation will be treated to (subjected to?) Giants at Eagles. In some ways, it is a potential battle for first place in the NFL's worst division. With the Cowboys and Washington going at it on Sunday, the winner at the Linc has a shot at the top spot should Dallas lose.

The NFC East has a 2-15-1 record (.139) in non-division games, which is third worst through six weeks since the 1970 merger. The AFC East was 1-9 (.100) after six weeks in 1986 and the AFC Central was 2-16 (.111) in 1984. NFC East teams have also been outscored by 10.2 points per game in non-division games, twice as high as the next-worst sector, the AFC East (5.1).

Philadelphia has something of an excuse considering there are more starters on the injury list than on the field. The Eagles have displayed tremendous grit in going 1-4-1, which stands second to Dallas (2-4), and ahead of Washington and New York, both 1-5. The Giants come off their first victory for coach Joe Judge, beating Washington.

Philadelphia, No. 23 in the AP Pro32, is a 5-point favorite over No. 29 New York.

EAGLES, 22-20

KNOCKOUT POOL: The Patriots don't allow a touchdown and still lose? When does that happen? Well, when Pro Picks takes them in the knockout pool. UGH!

If you still care, we'd advise going with the CHARGERS.

No. 30 Jacksonville (minus 7 1-2) at No. 22 Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers have played better than a 1-4 team. Now they face a 1-5 team.

BEST BET: CHARGERS, 30-15

No. 21 Detroit (plus 2 1-2) at No. 27 Atlanta

Only because we are required to pick an ...

UPSET SPECIAL: LIONS, 30-29

No. 7 Tampa Bay (pick-em) at No. 12 Las Vegas

Don’t see it as much of a gamble backing Tom Brady in Sin City.

BUCCANEERS, 27-24

No. 3 Pittsburgh (minus 2) at No. 4 Tennessee

Battle of the unbeatens. The Steelers will stay unblemished.

STEELERS, 23-16

No. 14 Cleveland (minus 3½) at No. 26 Cincinnati

Looking for a bounce back from the Browns, though the Bengals are improving.

BROWNS, 33-23

No. 24 Dallas (minus 2) at No. 31 Washington

Man, it has gotten ugly in Big D. A trip to DC helps.

COWBOYS, 20-15

No. 19 Carolina (plus 7 1-2) at No. 10 New Orleans

The rested Saints should be up to speed at last.

SAINTS, 30-20

No. 9 Buffalo (minus 12) at No. 32 New York Jets

The last thing the NFL's worst team needs is an opponent coming off two untidy losses.

BILLS, 37-13

No. 6 Green Bay (minus 3 1-2) at No. 25 Houston

Pro Picks still is shaking its head over how bad the Packers looked at Tampa.

PACKERS, 27-24

No. 1 Seattle (minus 3) at No. 13 Arizona

What a statement the Cardinals could make by winning this one. Nope, but close.

SEAHAWKS, 30-28

No. 16 San Francisco (plus 2 1-2) at No. 17 New England

It's been 20 years (pre-Brady) since the Patriots were 2-4. A loss would put them there.

PATRIOTS, 22-20

No. 2 Kansas City (minus 9) at No. 20 Denver

Like the Chargers, Denver is better than its results thus far. Still ...

CHIEFS, 31-20

No. 8 Chicago (plus 5 1-2) at No. 11 Los Angeles Rams, Monday night

Maybe by December we will have faith in the Bears.

RAMS, 23-19

___

2020 RECORD

Last Week: Straight up: 8-6. Against spread: 6-8

Season: Straight up: 58-32-1. Against spread: 48-38-2

Best Bet: Straight up: 5-1. Against spread: 4-2

Upset Special: Straight up: 1-5. Against spread: 1-4-1

___

More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

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