NFC Championship: Eagles vs 49ers Preview and Prediction
Throughout the year in the AFC, it seemed like four or five teams could legitimately make the AFC Title game. But, on the other hand, in the NFC, the Eagles vs. the 49ers always felt like it was meant to be. Time and again, these two teams proved to be head and shoulders above the rest of the conference.
With Jalen Hurts at the helm, the Eagles have lost just once all season, while the 49ers are undefeated when Brock Purdy starts. Both teams are elite at running the football and rank at the top of the NFL. Defensively, these two units are the best the NFL has to offer statistically.
Will the moment be too big for Brock Purdy? Will it matter if Jalen Hurts plays like an MVP?
What Time is the Eagles vs 49ers Game?
- Date: Sunday, January 22, 2023
- Time: 2:00 PM CT
- Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Who is Favored to Win the Eagles vs 49ers Game?
- DraftKings Betting Line: Eagles 2.5
- Over-Under: 46.5
How to Watch the Eagles vs 49ers Game
- TV: FOX (Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen, Erin Andrews, Tom Rinaldi)
- Streaming: FOX Sports App (Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen, Erin Andrews, Tom Rinaldi)
- National Radio: Westwood One (Kevin Harlan, Kurt Warner, Ross Tucker)
Key Matchups
We have a bunch of big matchups that can decide Sunday’s game, but a few stand out. First, these two teams are so similar, so we’ll be treated to many strength-on-strength battles.
Eagles Pass Rush vs Brock Purdy
It feels a little obvious, but the biggest matchup in this game will be Philly’s pass rush against Brock Purdy. Since taking over as the starter, Purdy has been exactly what San Francisco needs. He takes care of the football and gets the ball where it needs to be. Sunday, however, will be by far his biggest test yet.
The Eagles are rushing the passer at a historic rate this season, having recorded 75 sacks through last weekend. That’s good for 3rd most in NFL history, trailing just the ’84 Bears (82) and ’85 Bears (80). So can Purdy handle that pressure in Philly, both literally and figuratively?
Dallas made him uncomfortable a bit last weekend, and we saw one of Purdy’s least productive games as a starter. He also made a few terrible throws against Seattle before settling down.
Purdy has been great, but the opposing pass rush and crowd are a different animal. Just ask Purdy’s star Left Tackle Trent Williams.
49ers Secondary vs Eagles Receivers
We know both of these teams will likely be able to run the football. The Eagles and 49ers run the ball as well as anyone. What this game will probably come down to will be the big play. Philly has a pair of receivers in AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith that are explosive plays waiting to happen.
San Francisco has a great defense, but if there’s a weak point, it’s the tendency to give up the big play over the top. Take a look at what D.K. Metcalf was able to do on Wild Card Weekend.
As I mentioned, these two teams are so evenly matched. Whoever can pull off more explosive plays likely moves onto the Super Bowl, and this feels like an area where Philly might have an advantage.
Eagles vs 49ers Prediction
This should be a fantastic game. We have the two best teams in the NFC throughout the season going at it. Brock Purdy is going up against by far his biggest test, but he’s silenced all the doubters up until now.
Final Score: Eagles 23, 49ers 20
