Who is PSR Staff Predicting to Win Eagles-49ers’ Wild Card Game?

Today is the day! Game day!

The Eagles and 49ers kick off from Lincoln Financial Field at 4:30 today. Who is the Philly Sports Reports staff picking to win the game?

Here are our official predictions:

Benjamin Goldstein: Eagles 27, 49ers 13

I have been extremely confident about this game as soon as it was confirmed that the Eagles were hosting the 49ers for numerous reasons. For starters, this Eagles defense is too good. The front seven is dominant, the secondary is elite, and Vic Fangio is a mastermind. This 49ers offense struggles once Christian McCaffrey is shut down. Outside of him, there is not much fire the 49ers can ignite. On the other side of the ball, San Francisco is banged up to the point where practice-squad guys will be starting in a playoff game. That is not a recipe for success. This Eagles offense has been stagnant all season, but they are coming off a week of rest and are fully revved up for a playoff run. If anyone is going to beat the Eagles, it is going to be themselves. I see the Eagles dominantly taking care of the 49ers, and everyone will be buying right back in.

Sam Heine: Eagles 24, 49ers 20

After a controversial decision to forgo the 2 seed to get the starters the rest, the Eagles draw a very good 12-5 49ers team. The Eagles have been winning ugly all season, and they will have to do that again to advance in the playoffs. Ultimately, I think the Eagles being at home will be the difference, and they send the 49ers back to the Bay Area with a loss.

Matt Brown: Eagles 27, 49ers 21

It’s been a whirlwind of a season for the Eagles, as through the ups and downs, the defending champions have found a way to make it back to the playoffs. In the first round, they’re taking on a familiar foe, one with which they have a growing “rivalry,” the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers have somehow slugged their way into the postseason, despite not having Brock Purdy for the majority of the regular season and losing Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, plus several other injuries on the defensive side of the ball. While the Eagles’ offense hasn’t been anything to take home this year, I believe that the playmaker will be able to do enough against San Fran’s defense to pick up the win. Jalen Hurts is a playoff riser, and Saquon Barkley will pick up the big runs when needed, and the Eagles’ receivers take advantage against a bottom-eight pass defense in the league. 49ers keep it close thanks to Christian McCaffrey, but not close enough.

Sean Regenye: Eagles 19, 49ers 13

Just as many games have gone this season, the Eagles will squeak out a win, despite subpar performance. Trent Williams will play but is banged up, and historically, the 49ers don’t win without him healthy. Due to this, the Eagles’ pass rush will play a solid role, and their linebacker duo of Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean will do their best to contain George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey. While I don’t think the offense will perform as well as they should, Jalen Hurts and Kevin Patullo will turn up the heat in the second half, putting pressure on the Niners to score late in the game. And I wouldn’t put it past the Eagles defense to get a late stop that seals the deal and sends the Birds to the divisional round.

Steve Hamilton: Eagles 17, 49ers 3

The injury report for both teams tells the story here. For San Francisco, their injury report reads like what you’d expect their Pro Bowl selections to be. Trent Williams will play hurt, Ricky Pearsall is questionable, and Fred Warner and Nick Bosa are out, just to name a few. The Eagles, on the other hand, are coming in healthy. The only question mark in my mind is, can Kevin Pitullo take advantage of the 49ers’ second and third-string defensive players? I still think Saquon Barkley and the receivers will be able to carve up this defense enough to take a win.

Evan Hartenstein: Eagles 24, 49ers 13

A rivalry is restored in today’s matchup, where the Birds take on a familiar foe in the playoffs, the San Francisco 49ers. Last time the 49ers came to Philly, a decisive 24-point victory for the Eagles led them to the Super Bowl. I see similar results this time around. While San Francisco is a legit threat in the NFC, their road will end in South Philly due to their mediocrity. The 49ers’ defense is giving up an average of 22 points per game, so if Philadelphia can get to that mark, everything should be smooth sailing. The Eagles’ D is top 3 in the NFL, and forcing the Niners to a few productive possessions will be the key to an Eagles win and a trip to the Divisional round.

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