49ers (8-3) at Eagles (10-1)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
49ers by 2.5
49ers’ keys to victory: After their 31-13 victory over the Seahawks, the 49ers will look to duplicate the Buffalo Bills’ model of pressuring Eagles QB Jalen Hurts while working to prevent explosive plays on the back end with seven defenders. On offense, San Francisco will look to get RB Christian McCaffrey isolated one-on-one with LBs Christian Elliss and Nicholas Morrow. Eagles LB Zach Cunningham injured a hamstring against Buffalo. If he can’t play, the Eagles could be susceptible to mismatches in the passing game involving WR Deebo Samuel, TE George Kittle and WR Brandon Aiyuk.
Eagles’ keys to victory: Repeat last season’s NFC title game recipe, which means pressuring QB Brock Purdy early and often. The Eagles will look to establish the run while capitalizing on opportunities in the passing game with WRs A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. On defense, Philadelphia has been able to win while taking an entire half to adjust to opponents. Defensive coordinator Sean Desai may have CB Darius Slay travel with Samuel while putting CB James Bradberry or S Kevin Byard on Kittle.
Matchup to watch: Eagles RT Lane Johnson vs. 49ers DE Nick Bosa. The Eagles held the All-Pro Johnson (groin) out of the Week 12 win over the Bills. He returns for an elite matchup.
Who wins? San Francisco has waited nearly a year to return to where Purdy and backup QB Josh Johnson were knocked out of the NFC championship game. Philly should dominate again.
Eagles, 28-13
Glenn Erby, Eagles Wire