Wild Card Weekend: 49ers at Eagles
49ers look to contain Philly offense with a potential trip back to Seattle on the line.
After suffering a humbling loss last week to the Seahawks, the 49ers find themselves having to travel cross-country as the sixth seed in the NFC to take on the Philadelphia Eagles. With more injuries stacking up and depleting the defense even further heading into the postseason, the 49ers will face a major challenge with the Eagles run game as Saquon Barkley looks to regain last year’s playoff form behind an offensive line that is returning LT Lane Johnson from injury.
The 49ers offense will have to start fast against an Eagles defense led by DC Vic Fangio. Historically Kyle Shanahan has struggled to put up points against Fangio, but the 49ers will look to get their offense back on track after a rough outing against Seattle, hoping to get back to the offensive output they were able to produce against Indianapolis and Chicago in weeks 16 and 17. Defensively the 49ers will look to force Eagles QB Jalen Hurts to stay in the pocket and win with his arm while hopefully avoiding Hurts extending plays with his legs.
A win for the 49ers will give them another shot next week at the Seahawks after the Green Bay Packers second half collapse against Chicago on Saturday night.
Injury Report
The good news for the 49ers is that All=Pro LT Trent Williams is set to return to action from his hamstring injury. The bad news is that WR Ricky Pearsall is considered a game time decision after his PCL reaggravation. Even worse news is that the defense, linebackers specifically, have been decimated by injuries this week.
49ers
LT Trent Williams (Hamstring)
LB Luke Gifford (Quadricep)
WR Ricky Pearsall (PCL)
DL Keion White (Groin)
DE Yetur Gross-Matos (Knee)
CB Renardo Green (Ankle)
LB Dee Winters (Ankle)
Eagles
T Lane Johnson
Matchups to Watch
Saquon Barkley vs 49ers Defensive line
For the 49ers defense, the top priority will be to slow Barkley. With defensive line and linebackers thin with injuries, the 49ers will have to play disciplined and maintain their assignments and gap integrity in order to force the Eagles to throw. Preventing explosive run plays will be paramount for a 49er defense that was unable to do so against Seattle a week ago.
Jalen Hurts vs 49ers Pass Rush
Typically, you would want the 49ers front to collect sacks on the opposing quarterback, and while that is always welcomed, they have a more important focus this week. They cannot allow Hurts to move out of the pocket and freelance. The 49ers will have to make him uncomfortable and limit his running. The Eagles rank 28th in the league on third downs, and containing Hurts will be a massive part of the 49ers ability to capitalize on the stat.
George Kittle vs. Zack Baun
With the limitations the 49ers could face if Pearsall doesn’t play, Kittle will have to be a focus of the offensive gameplan. Baun has been a revelation for the Eagles over the past two seasons and will look to lock up Kittle in the middle of the field. If Kittle, or even Jake Tonges, can contribute to the passing game, it should create more opportunities for the rest of the 49ers receiving corps.
The 49ers Win, IF…
Starting fast on offense will be critical this week for the 49ers. If Christian McCaffrey can get going early and Purdy finds a rhythm, the 49ers can gain early control of the game. Taking the crowd out of the game will only help the 49ers find success on offense. Controlling the clock and keeping the defense off of the field will be extremely beneficial to the 49er’s chances of winning.
The Eagles Win, IF…
The key for the Eagles offense will be to find success in the run game with Barkley on offense to open up the downfield passing attack with Devonte Smith and AJ Brown. Should Jalen Carter and the Eagles defensive line be able to affect Purdy with consistency, it could make for another long day for the 49ers offense.
Final Thoughts, Spread, and Prediction
The Eagles opened as home favorites, and the line has continued to support that as they are currently six-point favorites. While Las Vegas favors Philly, the 49ers have been playing with house money for weeks now, and I expect that Brock Purdy and the Niners offense will regain their identity after last week’s poor showing. Purdy will finish the game this time and will lead this Niners team to a rubber match next week with the Seahawks.
Prediction: 49ers 27, Eagles 16