NFC Championship Game Preview: Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington Commanders

The Philadelphia Eagles host the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on
Sunday, January 26, with kickoff at 3:00 p.m. ET. The matchup between NFC East rivals will
determine who represents the conference in Super Bowl LIX.
Season Series Recap
The Eagles and Commanders split their regular-season series:
● Week 11 (November 14, 2024): The Eagles secured a 26-18 victory in Philadelphia
behind Saquon Barkley’s 198 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns.
● Week 16 (December 22, 2024): Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels orchestrated a
game-winning drive in the final seconds to give the Commanders a dramatic 36-33
victory in Landover, Maryland. Daniels threw for five touchdowns and exposed the
Eagles’ secondary in a statement performance.
Philadelphia Eagles
Regular Season Record: 14-3
Key Players:

● Jalen Hurts (QB): Hurts’ resilience was on display in the Divisional Round against the
Rams when he played through a knee injury sustained in the third quarter. Though his
mobility was limited, Hurts managed the offense effectively and avoided critical
mistakes. His ability to overcome the lingering effects of the injury will be vital against
Washington’s aggressive pass rush.
● Saquon Barkley (RB): Barkley has been the offensive workhorse for the Eagles,
including a 202-yard rushing performance against the Rams, highlighted by a game-
changing 78-yard touchdown run. His ability to wear down Washington’s defense will be
critical in keeping the Commanders off balance.
● Jalen Carter (DT): Carter’s clutch sack in the fourth quarter of the Divisional Round
sealed the Eagles’ 28-22 win over the Rams. His consistent ability to collapse the pocket
makes him one of the most disruptive defenders in the league.
Recent Performance:
The Eagles advanced with a hard-fought win over the Rams in the Divisional Round. Barkley
carried the offense, while the defense stepped up late to secure the victory.
Washington Commanders
Regular Season Record: 12-5
Key Players:
● Jayden Daniels (QB): The rookie quarterback has exceeded all expectations,
highlighted by his performance in the Divisional Round against Detroit, where he threw
for 316 yards and three touchdowns and added 56 rushing yards. In Week 16, Daniels
shredded the Eagles’ secondary for five touchdowns, including a game-winning drive in
the final moments.
● Brian Robinson Jr. (RB): Robinson has been the physical force behind Washington’s
offense. He tallied 97 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions and will look to keep
Philadelphia’s defense honest with his tough, downhill running style.
● Terry McLaurin (WR): McLaurin remains Washington’s most reliable weapon in the
passing game. He recorded 119 yards and a touchdown in the Divisional Round and
was instrumental in the Commanders’ Week 16 win over the Eagles.
Recent Performance:
The Commanders defeated the Lions 45-31, bolstered by Daniels’ efficient passing and a
defense that forced five turnovers.
Key Matchups
● Jalen Carter vs. Commanders’ Offensive Line: Carter’s ability to create interior
pressure will test Washington’s line, particularly against Daniels’ quick release.

● Eagles’ Secondary vs. Terry McLaurin: The Eagles’ secondary will face a stiff test
from McLaurin, who has had a strong season and was pivotal in Washington’s Week 16
win.
● Eagles’ Receivers vs. Commanders’ Secondary: A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith will
look to exploit a Washington secondary that has struggled against top-tier wideouts.
X-Factors
● Jalen Carter (Eagles): Carter was a game-changer in the Divisional Round with his
late-game sack on Matthew Stafford, forcing the Rams into a 4th-and-long situation and
helping secure the Eagles’ victory. His ability to disrupt Jayden Daniels’ timing and
collapse the pocket will be crucial in key third-down moments during the NFC
Championship.
● Jalen Hurts (Eagles): Hurts’ knee injury limited his mobility in the Divisional Round, but
his leadership and decision-making were critical in guiding the Eagles to victory. If Hurts
can recover sufficiently to use his legs, it will be a significant advantage against
Washington’s pass rush and will help stretch the field for the Eagles’ offense.
● Jayden Daniels (Commanders): Daniels has shown poise and maturity well beyond his
rookie season, especially in clutch moments like his game-winning drive in Week 16. His
ability to manage the game and extend plays with both his arm and legs will be key to
Washington’s success in challenging the Eagles’ defense.
● Terry McLaurin (Commanders): McLaurin’s ability to win contested catches and
stretch the field makes him one of the league’s premier wide receivers. His performance
in Week 16, where he had 114 yards and a touchdown, exposed the Eagles’ secondary,
and he will look to replicate that success in the NFC Championship.
Matchups the Eagles Can Exploit

  1. Commanders’ Secondary: A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith can exploit mismatches,
    particularly on intermediate and deep routes. Washington has struggled against top-tier
    receivers, and the Eagles’ passing attack could take full advantage.
  2. Middle of the Field: Dallas Goedert’s ability to attack Washington’s linebackers and
    safeties will be essential in opening up the offense. Goedert has been a reliable target in
    critical situations, and his role will be key to moving the chains.
  3. Run Defense: Philadelphia’s offensive line should be able to create gaps for Barkley to
    exploit Washington’s inconsistent run defense. Barkley’s ability to break off long runs, as
    seen in his 202-yard performance against the Rams, will put additional pressure on
    the Commanders.
    Prediction
    The Eagles’ depth, talent on both sides of the ball, and home-field advantage give them the
    edge in this matchup. While Jayden Daniels and the Commanders will put up a fight,
    Philadelphia’s experience and dynamic playmakers should ultimately prove too much.

Prediction: Eagles 30, Commanders 21
Philadelphia will punch their ticket to Super Bowl LIX, propelled by standout performances from
Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and Jalen Carter.

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