Philadelphia (11-6), the NFC East champion, returns to the NFL playoffs as the division’s No. 3 seed and will take on the rival 49ers (12-5) at Lincoln Financial Field in what should be a high-energy, high-scoring game. The Eagles have the best record in the NFL (including playoffs) since the start of 2022 (56-20), and they are must-see television. The NFL broadcast team on FOX will be in attendance as Philadelphia acquires the late Sunday afternoon slot.
As kickoff approaches, we’re looking at three reasons why the Eagles are optimistic about this game.
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49ers bend but don’t break
The 49ers rank 25th in expected points per game and 29th in success rate. Even with a depleted defensive lineup, Robert Saleh did a great job of limiting explosive offense, and the Jets ranked ninth in EPA allowed of 20-plus yards of offense. They were also solid in the red zone, ranking 12th overall and fourth in goals against. While those numbers are good, Philadelphia has been at its best inside the 20-yard line and ranks first in the league in red zone consistency.
49ers will try to survive
A poor defense will limit Saquon Barkley, which should create opportunities in the passing game. If the 49ers play more aggressively and pile up in the box — only the Eagles and New England Patriots have a higher lightbox rate — then it could allow Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert and the Eagles’ passing game to win this game. The 49ers defense ranks 20th in the NFL in yards allowed per game, but is missing multiple linebackers, which should weaken a unit that already allows 4.3 yards per carry and ranks 20th in the NFL. On top of that, only seven teams allowed more passing yards than the 49ers.
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49ers’ weaknesses will come up against Eagles’ strengths
Fred Warner’s replacement, Tatum Bethune, suffered a season-ending groin injury against the Seahawks, which means veteran Eric Kendricks will step in at middle linebacker. Outside linebackers Dee Winters and Luke Gifford had just completed pregame warmups and, despite being listed as questionable, still appeared to be unavailable. The Eagles’ offensive line is expected to be dominant against a run defense that missed 11 tackles against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18 with right tackle Lane Johnson back.
Eagles pass catchers are in for a treat
Saleh will have to be creative in the secondary zone defense against Eagles receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, who have significant size and skill advantages over Deomodre Lenoir, Leonardo Green and Upton Stout. Dallas Goedert will come in early and often against a battered 49ers linebacker corps.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 3 reasons to be optimistic as Eagles face 49ers in NFC wild-card round