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Giants at Eagles

The weekend's final playoff matchup: the Philadelphia Eagles beat the New York Giants (2:30 p.m., FOX). (Sorry, I had to spoil one of them.)

Why did I rank the Giants ahead of the Eagles a few weeks ago? I don't know. The Giants had won the head-to-head matchup in overtime. But the Eagles beat them by two touchdowns the next Sunday and haven't looked back, closing the season on a five-game winning streak.

The Giants were ice-cold down the stretch, losing six of seven at one point. They beat the Redskins behind a huge game from Tiki Barber.

Good thing, because Barber is the Giants' only hope. (What, you thought I'd say Eli Manning?) Barber ran for 1,662 yards in his final season and factored in the passing game.  Too bad he's such a dweeb. The Eagles aren't the Colts or anything, but run defense is a major weakness for them. If Barber has a huge game, the Giants can come out on top.

Brian Westbrook ain't Barber, but he's not far behind. Westbrook got his first chance to shoulder the load this year, and he responded with a terrific campaign. Like Barber, he's a threat as a runner and a receiver.

Can Jeff Garcia be the difference? I would have doubted it a couple weeks ago, but he's had a special year. As a relief pitcher, he's been less spectacular than Dallas' Tony Romo but far more consistent. Which would you rather have in a playoff game? Garcia will look even better Sunday going against a Manning. And thus, the Eagles will win.

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