Five reasons why the Giants could stun the Eagles

With a road win over the Vikings in the wild-card round, the Giants proved their playoff worthiness.

Per OddsChecker, Big Blue is a 7.5-point underdog in Saturday's divisional round game at Philadelphia, but New York has the goods to pull the upset.

Here are five reasons why:

1. Daniel Jones is playing elite football

Jones is blossoming into a franchise quarterback. He put up 301 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and 78 yards rushing with zero turnovers against the Vikings -- the first quarterback in NFL history with 300+ passing yards, 2+ passing touchdowns and 70+ rushing yards in a game.

Jones had the lowest interception percentage during the regular season (1.1%). His 708 rushing yards during the regular season are the most by a quarterback in franchise history.

That running threat could be the weapon that takes down Goliath. In the past two games, Jones has 28 carries -- seven more than star RB Saquon Barkley.

2. Eagles have a recent turnover problem

In their final four regular-season games, Philadelphia (14-3) had nine turnovers. The Eagles went 2-2 in that stretch. During the regular season, the Giants had a +3 turnover differential.

Look out if the Giants win the turnover battle and force MVP candidate Jalen Hurts into mistakes. The third-year QB is nursing an injured right throwing shoulder. Expect New York to test it and perhaps force a turnover or two.

3. Giants have improved their run defense

In a 48-22 loss to the Eagles in Week 14, the Giants allowed 253 yards rushing and four touchdowns. In the wild-card win, the Giants' run defense was stellar, surrendering only 61 yards. New York has surrendered only two rushing touchdowns in their last six games. 

4. Isaiah Hodgins is an X factor

Against the Vikings, the waiver-wire pickup had a breakout game -- eight receptions for 108 yards and a TD -- mostly lined up against future Hall of Fame cornerback Patrick Peterson. 

"He's been nothing but impressive coming in, studying the playbook, working his butt off -- he's a great teammate," offensive coordinator Mike Kafka said via Giants.com.

Hodgins, who has five touchdowns in the last six games, has excelled when lining up in the slot. Against the Vikings, he caught all five of his targets when lined up inside. 

Philadelphia's nickel corner, Avonte Maddox, is out for this game, giving the Giants and Hodgins a matchup edge.

5. New York's offensive line is improving

In their Week 14 loss to the Eagles, the O-line surrendered seven sacks to the Eagles, who led the league with 70 sacks. New York's line improved has significantly recently, allowing only 1.3 sacks per game in the final four regular-season games. In their 13 games prior, the Giants allowed 3.4 sacks per game.