Two of the NFC's best teams of the past decade do battle once again in the postseason, with the Philadelphia Eagles hosting the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card Round. The two teams have combined to represent the NFC in the last three (and five of the last eight) Super Bowls.
The Eagles had an uneven road to becoming the NFC East's first repeat champion in over two decades. Philadelphia's offense has been mediocre at best all season, but the defense has rounded into shape after a slow start. Since Week 10, Philadelphia is seventh in expected points added per play, success rate and explosive play rate. Philadelphia has been especially good on fourth down (32% conversion rate allowed) and goal-to-go efficiency (63% touchdown rate allowed) over that span, too.
The offense is still looking to recapture last year's championship form, but Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith still strike fear in the heart of defenses. That'll be especially true against an undermanned 49ers unit that's among the league's worst.
Luckily for San Francisco, the offense has been among the league's best. Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle and co. lead Kyle Shanahan's efficient attack. The 49ers will also be looking to avenge a 31-7 NFC Championship game loss in Philadelphia three years ago. In that game, Purdy left with an injury, and journeyman Josh Johnson did the same shortly thereafter, forcing Purdy back into the game to simply hand the ball off.
For the full Wild Card Weekend slate, including dates, kickoff times and TV channels, see our complete NFL playoff schedule.
On fourth-and-2, Jalen Hurts tried an out route to Devonta Smith, but Upton Stout undercut the route and nearly picked off the pass. Really nice play by Stout, the third-round rookie who has flashed as a slot corner.
The Eagles haven't converted a fourth down since Week 8.
Demarcus Robinson had 63 receiving yards on the opening drive. His season high for an entire game was just 44.
Meanwhile, Dallas Goedert became the first tight end in NFL history with a playoff rushing touchdown, per CBS Sports research.
Philadelphia just trampled San Francisco's defense, and Dallas Goedert scored easily from 1 yard out, but Jake Elliott's extra point doinked off the upright.
Saquon Barkley had a 29-yard rush to jumpstart the drive. That would have been his fourth-longest run of the regular season. That's a good sign for the hosts. Elliott's continued struggles aren't.
One drive, seven points for the 49ers. San Francisco went right after All-Pro cornerback Quinyon Mitchell on a pair of big plays to Demarcus Robinson.
The 49ers get the ball to start.
It's a nice enough day in terms of temperatures (44 degrees) and sunshine, but wind gusts could get up to 35 miles per hour. We'll see how it affects the passing game and the kicking game.
San Francisco lost Fred Warner midseason. His replacement, Tatum Bethune, is out for the season after tearing his groin in Week 18. Dee Winters and Luke Gifford also got hurt in Week 18 and are out this week.
That leaves ...
as the only linebackers available today.
The 49ers have had major injury issues all season, and that's continuing today. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle - questionable) and Dee Winters (ankle - questionable) are both out. However, star left tackle Trent Williams (hamstring) is active.
This is a massive blow for Philadelphia. The Eagles' offense has a 46% success rate with Johnson on the field this season compared to 43% without him.
