NFC Championship preview: Commanders vs. Eagles breakdown and game prediction highlights an exciting matchup this Sunday. The last four times a divisional rematch occurred in a conference title game, the victorious team advanced to the Super Bowl. This trend adds a layer of intrigue for both teams as they prepare for their showdown.
In previous instances, the Rams triumphed over the 49ers in 2021, the Seahawks bested the 49ers in 2013, the Packers defeated the Bears in 2010, and the Steelers overcame the Ravens in 2008. The regular-season outcomes varied: the Rams were swept, the Steelers achieved a sweep, while the Seahawks and Packers split their matches, mirroring the Eagles and Commanders’ performance this season.
The contests between Philadelphia and Washington were anything but ordinary. In Week 11, the Eagles mounted a thrilling comeback, scoring 20 consecutive points in the fourth quarter, including two touchdowns from Saquon Barkley, to win 26-18. Conversely, in Week 18, the Commanders faced a 27-14 deficit in the fourth quarter, but rookie QB Jayden Daniels threw three touchdown passes, with the final one coming just six seconds before the end, clinching a dramatic 36-33 victory.
This analysis examines the strengths, weaknesses, and pivotal players for both NFC teams vying for a trip to the Super Bowl:
No. 2 seed: Philadelphia Eagles
X-factor: Defensive lineman Jalen Carter, just 23 years old, demonstrated his potential as a game-changer with a crucial sack of Matthew Stafford in the closing moments against the Rams. The Commanders will miss guard Sam Cosmi, who suffered a knee injury, leaving a vulnerable spot in their offensive line. Backup Trent Scott has only started once this season. The Eagles have a playoff record of two sacks by a player in a game, a feat achieved seven times, including thrice in the last two weeks.
No. 6 seed: Washington Commanders
Biggest strength: Rookie QB Jayden Daniels has been a revelation, leading Washington to a seven-game winning streak. His next touchdown pass will break the NFL rookie record for postseason touchdowns, currently set at five. While the Eagles managed to limit Daniels in their first encounter, he bounced back with a stellar performance in the second game, throwing five touchdown passes and rushing for 81 yards, signaling his readiness for the playoffs.
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Biggest question mark: Can the Washington defense contain the Eagles under 30 points? Despite forcing five turnovers, Detroit managed to score 31 points against the Commanders, amassing 521 total yards. Washington has allowed 7.2 yards per play in the playoffs, the worst among the 14 playoff teams. Barkley averaged 148 rushing yards and two touchdowns in their two matchups, so the Commanders must pressure Jalen Hurts while preventing explosive plays from Barkley.
X-factor: Turnovers will be pivotal. Both Washington and Philadelphia boast a plus-6 turnover margin in the playoffs, forcing six turnovers without committing any. Maintaining this trend could be the key to reaching the Super Bowl. However, in the regular season, the Eagles were plus-11, while the Commanders were plus-1, suggesting Philadelphia has the upper hand. Daniels’ ability to minimize mistakes while fueling the offense is often overlooked amidst the accolades he rightly receives.
Prediction: A high-scoring game seems likely, with Daniels proving to be a formidable force in crunch time. Washington’s recent victory over Detroit ended a streak of five consecutive wins decided on the final play. With both teams possessing powerful offenses, the outcome may hinge on red-zone efficiency. The Commanders ranked sixth in the regular season, while the Eagles were 13th. On the defensive side, Philadelphia ranked fifth in red-zone defense, compared to Washington’s 22nd. The prediction favors the Eagles to secure a home victory and advance to their second Super Bowl in three years. Eagles 38, Commanders 28
Greg Auman is an NFL Reporter for FOX Sports. He previously spent a decade covering the Buccaneers for the Tampa Bay Times and The Athletic. Follow him on Twitter at @gregauman.
