Eagles (0-2-1) at 49ers (2-1)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California TV: NBC
Danny Sheridan’s line: 49ers by 31⁄
2
Eagles’ keys to victory: The Eagles have to take advantage of a banged-up 49ers defense. QB Carson Wentz has struggled, but San Francisco is dealing with injury problems at all three levels of their defense. Wentz can’t rely so heavily on TE Zach Ertz. Whether it’s targeting WR Greg Ward Jr. or getting a couple of deep shots to WR DeSean Jackson, Wentz has to lean on his receiving corps and attack a weak 49ers secondary. On defense, the Eagles have to make the 49ers’ QB uncomfortable. Look for DLs Fletcher Cox and Malik Jackson to have big games against a shaky 49ers offensive line.
49ers’ keys to victory: The 49ers need to continue getting efficient, turnover-free quarterback play. Between QBs Jimmy Garoppolo and Nick Mullens, the 49ers’ quarterback has yet to commit a turnover this season. They’re tough to stop with WRs Brandon Aiyuk and Kendrick Bourne getting involved in the passing game. On defense, DLs Kerry Hyder and Arik Armstead have to generate pressure to take some of the onus off a banged up group of cornerbacks. If Wentz is hurried, he’s liable to make mistakes.
Matchup to watch: Eagles’ Cox vs. 49ers LG Laken Tomlinson. The 49ers’ interior offensive line has struggled, and Cox is still a disruptive force inside. San Francisco’s offense can be derailed by a dominant interior defender.
Who wins? In Week 3, the 49ers walloped the Giants with a ton of their key starters sidelined. Philadelphia will provide a tougher test, but the Eagles looked worse, playing to a tie against the Bengals.
49ers, 27-23