This could be another classic matchup if both teams show up, but will they?
The panel thinks the Eagles will be the first defending champion to go one-and-done in the playoffs since the 2019 Patriots. (The 2022 Rams didn’t qualify for the playoffs, which is objectively worse.)
One should surmise the good Eagles will show up for the postseason. They had two four-game winning streaks, sandwiched around a two-game slide, and they flipped a three-game losing streak with a three-game winning streak down the stretch before resting their stars in the finale.
If there’s ever been a time to shake off a season’s worth of frustration, it’s now for Saquon Barkley and a running game that dropped from No. 2 in 2024 to No. 18 this season.
“Saquon will be the difference-maker,” an executive said. “He needs to carry it 20-plus times against the San Francisco run defense, and keep the Niners offense off the field as much as they can.”
A second executive added, “Their offense will control the game on the ground.”
The Eagles were 4-1 this season when Barkley tallied at least 20 carries.
“The Niners are so beat up,” a third executive said. “They’re starting their fourth and fifth middle linebackers, and the pass rush isn’t there.”
The Niners finished last in the NFL this season with 20 sacks — six behind the 31st-ranked Jets and the fewest in the league since the 2022 Bears also tallied just 20 sacks.
While the 49ers are clearly well-versed in dealing with injury issues, running back Christian McCaffrey has been their stalwart this season. The NFL Offensive Player of the Year candidate played every game for the second time since 2020, and his 2,126 yards from scrimmage were more than he had in 2023 when he led the NFL. However, one observer believed McCaffrey was wearing down by the end of the season.
Niners coach Kyle Shanahan has won two playoff games in all four of his appearances, and he’s 2-1 against Eagles boss Nick Sirianni. But that defeat happened three years ago in the NFC Championship Game when quarterback Brock Purdy injured his elbow.
An executive who picked the Niners called them “winners who will find a way.”
Comment
MalikHusam
SBR MVP
09-07-16
2773
#3
Could be the repeat of Indiana vs Oregon CFP semi...
Comment
Headsterx
SBR Posting Legend
12-03-16
24793
#4
And we got wind at the game, too!
Comment
MalikHusam
SBR MVP
09-07-16
2773
#5
Any good lip readers here? What did Sirianni just say to AJ Brown
Comment
stevenash
Moderator
01-17-11
66818
#6
I saw a few F bombs in there.
Comment
stevenash
Moderator
01-17-11
66818
#7
WTF is this?
Comment
Headsterx
SBR Posting Legend
12-03-16
24793
#8
I can’t believe Philly fans didn’t relentlessly booed her.
Comment
Headsterx
SBR Posting Legend
12-03-16
24793
#9
Well, at least they’re booing Eagles offense now.
Comment
stevenash
Moderator
01-17-11
66818
#10
Originally posted by Headsterx
I can’t believe Philly fans didn’t relentlessly booed her.
What's even creepier than those dead bird feathers she's wearing is that she's obsessed with Aaron Rodgers.
Comment
ThaTopMoron
BARRELED IN @ SBR!
04-30-10
27047
#11
good win on the upset! the only game I didn't care for.
but stop taking the over/under
I do think overs will come back next weekend and go 2-2 at worst
Comment
Headsterx
SBR Posting Legend
12-03-16
24793
#12
Originally posted by ThaTopMoron
good win on the upset! the only game I didn't care for.
but stop taking the over/under
I do think overs will come back next weekend and go 2-2 at worst
Overs went 2-2-1 and MNF will be the deciding game. Might take under for Saturday games. Can’t believe it’s 45.5 for Niners/Seahawks game. Don’t think either team will get 20 pts.
Comment
MalikHusam
SBR MVP
09-07-16
2773
#13
Nice call man!
Who do you think is a good value bet for Super Bowl right now? I'm looking at the Bills
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stevenash
Moderator
01-17-11
66818
#14
^
Bills or Pats.
Josh Allen looks like he's on a mission from God, and Allen and Shakir are totally in sync.
Cook looks spent, though. Guys like Barkley, Henry, and Cook take a lot of shots across 17 games, brutal.
Comment
Headsterx
SBR Posting Legend
12-03-16
24793
#15
Originally posted by MalikHusam
Nice call man!
Who do you think is a good value bet for Super Bowl right now? I'm looking at the Bills
I have Bills to win it at the beginning of the season. With no Mahomes, Burrows or Lamar, it’s open for him to get in the Super Bowl. They match up well against anyone on the NFC side. This is a great opportunity for them to win it all.