The Philadelphia Eagles are currently flirting with destiny. This season has been historical on so many fronts for the Birds and the moments just keep getting bigger. They’ll be hosting the Washington Commanders today in what will be a true battle for all the marbles. The winner of today’s game will not only represent the NFC in the Super Bowl but will also be the true NFC East champion.
For a rivalry that is this intense with so much on the line, things are bound to get extra chippy. Our Eagles team at Philly Sorts Network took the opportunity to put together their predictions on who will when the Eagles battle the Commanders.
Here’s their predictions for the matchup between the Eagles and Commanders:
Bryan Cameron
This has the makings of being the game of the year. I understand that Josh Allen vs Pat Mahomes and the officials will also be playing on Sunday night but it doesn’t have the same aura that this NFC East rivalry match does. It’s officially round three and while Philly landed a big haymaker in the first round, Washington owned them in the second round but the rookie mistake that the Commanders made was the excessive chirping afterward.
Mixed that in with the fact that Jalen Hurts will be out for blood after that dirty hit by Frankie Luvu that concussed the Eagles’ QB in the second matchup. Then you have the defensive coordinator threatening Jalen Hurts if he runs out of the pocket. I mean.. call me crazy but isn’t that what you’re NOT supposed to do?
While the Eagles have had two tough bouts in the first and second rounds of the playoffs, I feel like they’re due for some excessive amount of fireworks. They’re hosting a home game for the third time in this postseason even after losing the home-field advantage. Saquon Barkley has that killer look in his eyes and this is the closest he’s ever been to the ultimate level of NFL football.
How can the Commanders counter destiny? Sure, the Cinderella story is great and I can say that the future is bright for Washington but this is the Eagles moment. This is fate. This is history in the making but it’s up to Philly to reach out and own it. I’m taking a home victory for the Birds 28-14.
Michael Greger
Two things worry me: Cam Jurgens’ back injury and Jalen Hurts’ bum knee. Those two variables could detrimentally impact the running game, eliminating the Tush Push and hurting RPOs. We’ll see how that plays out. Notice I didn’t say Washington. The opponent isn’t my major concern.
Nick Sirianni is taking the Eagles to a second NFC Championship Game in three years, casting aside doubts about his competency and charisma. He’s got this team locked in. I’ve covered the Eagles off and on for 20 years — wow, that’s insane! — and I’ve never felt more confident heading into a game. Not sure if that’s good or bad. It’s just how I feel. Sorry, not sorry.
In 2009, I was overconfident. Eagles lost. In 2018, I was cautiously optimistic. Eagles won. In 2023, I was very nervous. Eagles won. This year? No doubt. Solid belief. Eagles 31, Commanders 17.
David Neisz
The Eagles enter the NFC Championship game with a winning formula. Run Saquon, control the clock, keep the defense fresh, throw to set up explosive plays in the run game, and protect the ball. They only lost one game playing this way since September. Their lone loss was to the Commanders, but they were without Jalen Hurts for three-quarters of the game. Having a mobile QB is a cheat code in today’s NFL run game. In the first matchup, Saquon ran for 146 yards, with 90 in the second half.
They wore down the Commanders and won the game. In the second game, Saquon was running wild to start the contest. He finished with 150 yards, but 122 were in the first half. Without Jalen Hurts under center, Barkley managed only 28 yards in the second half. Jalen Hurts is back, which will help get the running game back on track.
Washington’s Guard Sam Cosmi is out. Fran Duffy posted a revealing statistic this week: The Commanders allowed a 17.6% pressure rate when Cosmi was on the field and 45% with him out. The Eagles have 2 of the best players in the playoffs getting pressure this postseason. Nolan Smith has 11, which is the third most in the post-season. Jalen Carter has 12, tied for first in the post-season, advantage Eagles.
The ability to put pressure on Commander QB Jayden Daniels without blitzing will be a key factor in the defense’s success. The loss of Cosmi, coupled with the return of Jalen Hurts, will be too much for Washington to overcome. Their Cinderella Story ends. Eagles 30 Commanders 16. Go Birds!
Anthony DiBona
It appeared as though the Eagles were going to cruise to victory against the Commanders back in Week 16, yet Jalen Hurts suffered a concussion, C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected and seemingly everything broke Washington’s way. Now the Eagles will seek revenge in the NFC Championship Game as they’ll face the Commanders for a third time this season.
Despite many questioning Jalen Hurts due to his knee injury and lackluster production, the Eagles still have more than enough firepower to get the job done against the Commanders. Especially considering the dominance of Saquon Barkley, who averaged 174 total scrimmage yards per game against Washington in the regular season. Once again, the Eagles are simply the more talented team and should win rather convincingly against the Commanders.
Eagles 33, Commanders 24
Cory Nidoh
Only 60 minutes of football stands in the way of the Eagles heading to their second Super Bowl in three years. A third meeting against a division rival is perhaps more daunting than other potential matchups, but the Eagles have the better team from top to bottom, the experience and the home crowd to their advantage.
There’s no denying how impressive Jayden Daniels has been and sometimes when you’re the hot team in the playoffs, there’s not much that can stop you. However, that won’t be the case in this one. The Eagles will rely on their top-tier talent on both sides of the football to make big plays and hold off the Commanders who come in playing with house money.
Expect a close, stressful game with it even possibly coming down to a game-winning field goal by Jake Elliott. Eagles win 27-24 and will head to New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX.
Christopher Babos
As he has done all season long, Saquon Barkley will lead the Philadelphia Eagles to a win, 31-27, over the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game. The Eagles claim the George Halas Trophy for the second time in three seasons and advance to Super Bowl LIX – where Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, and the Kansas City Chiefs await once again in football’s biggest game.
In two games this season against Washington, Barkley has averaged 148 yards per game and two scores. During two NFC Playoff games, Barkley has averaged 162 yards per contest with two touchdown runs, which both came last week against Los Angeles. The 27-year-old back is the X-factor in this contest and breaks away for 175+ yards and a TD in the victory. A.J. Brown – c’mon down! You get a TD, too.
The top-rated regular-season defense has conceded an average of 16 points per game during the playoffs while silencing Jordan Love and Matthew Stafford. In the two regular-season games, Washington’s Quarterback Jayden Daniels averaged 224 yards and 1.5 interceptions per game against the Eagles this season.
Philly’s defense keeps Washington‘s rookie under 300 yards while securing two takeaways as the Birds fiercely protect their nest at Lincoln Financial Field. Daniels leads a failed fourth-quarter rally after the Eagles open up a sizeable advantage, making the game FEEL closer than it is before the South Philadelphia streets flood with Eagles fans losing their minds over another Super Bowl appearance.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
