Fact Check Analysis: Did the Giants Blow Their Future? NFL Week 17 Overreactions Examined

A DBUNK subscriber recently submitted this article written by Jeff Kerr for fact-checking, and we’ve dug deep to bring clarity to the claims. The NFL Week 17 article raises bold statements about Saquon Barkley, the Eagles, the Packers, and yes, the Giants’ handling of their late-season victory. Let’s cut through the noise and detect where bias, misinformation, or missing context sneaks in.

Eagles and Saquon Barkley’s Rushing Record

The article implies that the Eagles may actively “let Saquon Barkley get Eric Dickerson’s record.” However, this phrasing misleads readers to assume some form of intentional foul play or orchestration. While it is true the Eagles have secured their playoff spot, deciding to rest starters or manage player activity for strategic purposes is not equivalent to actively “allowing” record-breaking opportunities. Context is missing here—there’s no evidence of the Eagles indicating any facilitation of Barkley’s milestones.

Additionally, Barkley is not an Eagles player but a member of the New York Giants’ rival franchise. Logically, this diminishes any plausible intent by the Eagles to prioritize Barkley’s record chase. This claim relies on exaggerated speculation.

Chiefs “Letting” the Broncos Win?

Another questionable claim suggests the Kansas City Chiefs should—or could—”let the Broncos win” to prevent the Bengals from entering the playoffs. This is presented as an “overreaction,” but even then, the article falters. NFL teams are held to rigorous competitive standards, and there is no substantiated basis to suggest the Chiefs would intentionally lose a game to gain strategic advantage. Resting players, which the Chiefs may do due to their locked playoff seeding, is customary, and equating it to “letting a team win” skews readers into doubting professional integrity. This lacks evidence and leans too far into conjecture.

Are the Packers Overrated?

The claim that the Green Bay Packers are the “most overrated team in the NFC” lacks sufficient nuance. While it is true the team has struggled against top-performing NFC teams such as the Vikings and Lions, the assessment relies solely on the Pack’s poor win-loss record in specific matchups against higher-tier opponents. However, disregarding the broader context—such as narrowly losing by margins of 22 points combined in these crucial games—presents an unfair narrative. Furthermore, “overrated” is inherently subjective and may not serve as an appropriate measure without clear metrics.

Did the Giants Ruin Their Future with a Win?

According to the article, the Giants “blew their future” by winning a meaningless game and forfeiting the No. 1 draft pick. This makes for dramatic editorial content, but it oversimplifies draft dynamics. While the Giants lost their shot at a presumed top prospect, the difference between the first and fourth pick is far less catastrophic than depicted. Historically, franchise-altering players have emerged from a variety of draft positions. Moreover, the team’s leadership may leverage the No. 4 pick in trade scenarios or still secure an impactful player.

Critically, strength-of-schedule calculations, which determine draft order in tied records, are omitted in the analysis. Without this context, the insinuation that the Giants had “total control” over their draft position misrepresents the process.

Readers wondering, “Did the Giants completely ruin their rebuilding process by winning?” should note: While the win may influence the dynamics of their offseason strategy, the impact of losing out on the No. 1 pick will depend on the Giants’ ability to develop talent and make strategic decisions in free agency and trades. The draft is just one piece of the puzzle.

Brock Bowers vs. Jayden Daniels: Rookie Honors Debate

The article pits tight end Brock Bowers against quarterback Jayden Daniels, questioning whether Bowers deserved the Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) title. While Bowers set remarkable records, the omission of voting criteria limits the discussion. OROY often factors team impact alongside individual achievement—advantages skewed toward quarterbacks in many seasons. Daniels is highlighted for his unparalleled contributions and historical season, which lend credibility to the projection he would win. This segment is more commentary than outright misinformation but does lack detailed context about award standards and past trends.

Final Thoughts: Misinformation at Play?

Jeff Kerr’s article dives into polarizing NFL topics, but it manipulates reader interpretations by relying on speculative scenarios, exaggerated consequences, and missing context. Key claims about the Eagles aiding Barkley’s record chase, the Chiefs potentially “letting the Broncos win,” and the Giants “ruining their future” are not substantiated by facts or supported with sufficient nuance. The phrasing, though engaging, often misleads rather than informs. Articles like these contribute to unnecessary debates driven more by conjecture than analysis.

At DBUNK, we’re committed to combating this kind of misinformation. Join the fight for truth by downloading our mobile app when it launches soon. Together, we can cut through the noise and ensure you make decisions based on credible reporting.