The Eagles are just a few hours away from their showdown against the winless San Francisco 49ers. So, as always, it’s time to ask our team of Eagles writers how they think the game will pan out.
Liam “Cup of Tea” Jenkins: 5-1
The forecast is showing that weather may be an issue later today, but nothing will rain on the parade of Carson Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles. Kyle Shanahan may have a plan, but his team are giving up the third most rushing yards per game in the NFL. If Pederson continues to balance the offense, there might not be much that the Niners can do.
The weather may provoke turnovers and mistakes, but safe in the hands of LeGarrette Blount, the Eagles should have no problem driving down the field using their restored committee backfield and accurate checkdowns from Wentz. This game may not be overly exciting, but it should be a win nonetheless.
Eagles 28 49ers 14
Brenden “my picks are” Pedigree 4-1
In years past, this is a game many would look at and say “The Eagles are going to lose this game for no reason.” In years past, they would inexplicably have that one game where everything went against them. The 2017 Eagles are not the Eagles of years past.
The San Francisco 49ers are not a good team. They will be starting a rookie quarterback with no weapons and an offensive line that has allowed more than three sacks per game.
The only thing going for the 49ers in this game is the weather, which equalizes the playing field…to an extent. The forecast shows torrential down pouring for the entirety of Sunday’s game.
I expect the Eagles to stick with their fourth-ranked rushing attack with LeGarrette Blount carrying the load. The 49ers are 30th in the league against the run, allowing 134.6 yards per game.
The Eagles have no excuse to lose this game as they are the top team in the league and the 49ers may be the worst team in the league this year. However, I think the rain keeps this affair low-scoring and somewhat close. Blount leads the charge with 130 yards on the ground while he, Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement all find the endzone.
Eagles 21 49ers 13
Quentin “Not LeGarrette” Blount 4-1
If San Fran manages to fall behind early, which, let’s be honest, is likely the case, it will be hard to come back against the Eagles.
All in all, while the 49ers may want to run the ball and control the clock, this might be the hardest matchup of the year for them to do so. It’s safe to chalk this one up as another game that San Francisco follows suit; finding themselves down early, having to throw the ball 60% or more of the time, and leaving Lincoln Financial Field 0-8.
Eagles 27 49ers 17
Chris “Has the best sounding name of any of our writers” Coviello 5-1
San Francisco travels to Philly after getting drubbed the Cowboys last week at home 40-10. The Niners are looking to avoid the first 0-8 start in franchise history. You better believe they are going to try their hardest to make that not happen. The Eagles are in the midst of a 5 game winning streak and are playing great football right now. There will certainly be an adjustment period for the Birds after losing both Jason Peters and Jordan Hicks for the season. The Eagles now have serious post season aspirations. A truly upper echelon team would not have a letdown in a game like this.The Eagles need to stay focused and take care of business in this one. I feel like San Francisco is going to hang around for a while in this one before the Eagles open it up and win comfortably. Wentz stays efficient. The running game scores 2 TDs. The D forces 2 turnovers and maybe takes one to the house.
Expect a messy game with the rain they are predicting in Philly. A lot of running the ball will happen today and I think the Eagles front 7 shuts down Hyde. This will be a big game for the eagles backfield.
