The NFC side of Wild Card Weekend concludes when the 11-6 Philadelphia Eagles host the 12-5 San Francisco 49ers. The opponents for the next round should be determined at kickoff. The Seattle Seahawks wait for the lowest-ranked winner between this game and the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Carolina Panthers. The other two teams in the NFC will make up the remaining game on that side of the bracket. Can quarterback Brock Purdy lead an injury-plagued 49ers squad to the next round, or are the returning Super Bowl Champions just too steep a hill? Team Stats provided by Fox Sports.
The Eagles have certainly proven to be dangerous, but they lack the same overwhelming feeling of yesteryear. The offensive juggernaut has slipped to 24th in the league, leaving questions about weekly expectations. The struggles were highlighted by scoring only ten points against the Green Bay Packers in Week Nine. On the other hand, it excelled against the New York Giants in Week Eight for 38.
The defense is the same story. Last year’s Super Bowl-winning defense instilled fear; today’s version is respectable, but it lacks the same punch. The turnover in the offseason has taken a toll, especially in the run game. After finishing with the best rush defense in the league last year, they’ve dropped a concerning 21 spots.
The 49ers have the same concerns as last season: injuries. This year, however, they found a way to break through to the postseason. Jumping to seventh overall, the offense has scored 30+ points five times. For those assuming running back Christian McCaffrey is carrying the load, it’s quite the opposite. Quarterback Brock Purdy led the team to the fifth-ranked passing offense this year.
The defense hasn’t battled through it with the same moxie. The passing side has especially struggled, dropping to 25th in the league. They are the worst team in the league at sacking the quarterback, falling six short of the next team.
If the Eagles have an edge defensively, then the 49ers’ offense is miles ahead. When comparing the teams’ rosters on paper, the defending Super Bowl Champions are understandably betting favorites. Take a closer look at what’s happening now, not what’s on paper. The 49ers have the edge in average scoring margin and appear to be a more cohesive unit. This game is more 50:50 than people think.
Only one will advance in this three-versus-six NFC matchup. Can Mr. Irrelevant lead the 49ers to the next round, or will the weight of the defending champs be too much for the beat-up squad?
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