Previewing The Eagles' Intriguing Matchup Against The 49ers
The Philadelphia Eagles (10-1) will host the San Francisco 49ers (8-3) on Sunday, December 3, at 4:25 PM ET in a rematch of last year’s NFC Championship game. Fans can tune into the game on Fox.
The Eagles are the only team in the NFL with a 10-win record and are close to clinching a playoff spot for the third consecutive year. They have won five straight games, including a thrilling 37-34 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Week 12. Jalen Hurts had a stellar performance, throwing for 200 yards and three touchdowns, and rushing for 65 yards and two touchdowns. His passing and rushing touchdowns add up to 29 so far in 2023. The Eagles also have a balanced offense with D’Andre Swift, who ranks fourth in the league in rushing yards (770), and A.J. Brown who ranks fourth in the league in receiving yards (1,050). The Eagles have the third-highest scoring offense in the league, averaging 28.2 points per game.
The 49ers are coming off a dominant 31-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 12. Brock Purdy, who missed most of last season’s NFC Championship Game due to an elbow injury, threw for 209 yards and a touchdown. Christian McCaffrey, who played quarterback for the 49ers in that game after Purdy and Josh Johnson went down with injuries, had a monster game as a running back, rushing for 114 yards and two touchdowns, and catching five passes for 25 yards. Deebo Samuel also had a versatile game, catching seven passes for 79 yards and a touchdown, and rushing for 15 yards and a touchdown. The 49ers are tied with the Eagles for third-highest scoring offense in the league, averaging 28.2 points per game.
Both The Eagles And 49ers Have Top MVP Candidates
The game will feature two of the top offensive performers in the league, as Hurts and Purdy are both in the MVP conversation. Hurts has a slight edge over Purdy in total touchdowns and rushing, but Purdy has been the better overall passer with a higher QBR, slightly better completion rate, and less turnovers. Both quarterbacks have dynamic weapons around them, and both defenses will have a tough challenge to stop them.
The 49ers are favored by 2.5 points, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 46.5 points. The 49ers have won six of their last seven games against the spread, while the Eagles have covered in 11 of their last 12 games against winning teams at home. The game is expected to be a close and high-scoring affair, as both teams have potent offenses and solid defenses. The Eagles have the slight advantage in turnover differential (+9 to +6) and sacks (35 to 29), while the 49ers have the edge in rushing yards per game (156.5 to 142.5) and yards per play (6.2 to 5.9).
The game could come down to the wire, as both teams have clutch quarterbacks and reliable kickers. The Eagles will try to extend their winning streak and secure the top seed in the NFC, while the 49ers will try to avenge their loss in the NFC Championship Game and keep pace in the NFC West. It will be a game to watch for all NFL fans.
Prediction: Eagles 27 49ers 24
The Eagles continue to rise to the occasion for their toughest matchups. They are in the midst of a brutal stretch but have already defeated the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills. Look for their playmakers to show up and come through when it matters the most.
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