Eagles vs. 49ers predictions: Will 49ers back up trash talk in NFC Championship game rematch?
The Eagles have bitten their tongues all week trying not to respond to the 49ers trash-talking, whining, complaining or whatever you want to call it heading into this NFC championship game rematch on Sunday.
Many of the Eagles' responses were similar to those of head coach Nick Sirianni, who said: "I just know this game is going to be about two good teams coming in here and having a good game. I got a lot of respect for the guys over there. ... So this is about the 2023 Eagles versus the 2023 Niners. Both teams are doing well. It’s going to be a heck of a battle."
But as players like to say, the Eagles are most definitely "keeping the receipts."
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Sure, the 49ers are desperate to prove that the 31-7 loss to the Eagles was a fluke, in part because quarterback Brock Purdy left the game in the first quarter with an elbow injury. He had to return for the second half, even though he couldn't throw, because his backup was ruled out with a concussion.
Purdy had been 7-0 as a starter up until then, and he's 8-3 this season. The Eagles are 10-1, and quarterback Jalen Hurts is once again one of the favorites for the MVP award.
Both teams are loaded on offense and defense. And (surprise!) it's supposed to rain again, which would be the Eagles' third straight game in such conditions.
Here's how we see the game:
Our prognosticators are Martin Frank (Eagles beat writer/columnist, Delawareonline.com), Greg Giesen (sports strategist, Delawareonline.com), Tom McGurk (sports editor, Courierpostonline.com), Tom Moore (sports columnist, Phillyburbs.com), Bob Jordan (Sports editor, app.com), Bert Bainbridge (Sports betting analyst & columnist, Northjersey.com), Tom Haines (Pennsylvania state planning), Brad Myers (high school sports writer, Delawareonline.com), Melissa Hanejko (High School Sports Content & Social Media, Phillyburbs.com), Kevin Tresolini, (college sports reporter, Delawareonline.com), Michelle Ganassi (audience director & die-hard Steelers fan, Delawareonline.com).
Martin Frank
49ers WR Deebo Samuel called Eagles CB James Bradberry "trash," said the outcome "definitely would've been different" if Purdy had played the entire NFC Championship game last January. That Purdy couldn't is precisely why the Eagles will win this game too. The Eagles' defensive line will harass Purdy again (hopefully not injury-wise), and Bradberry will have the last laugh.
The pick: Eagles 30, 49ers 26
Tom Moore
The Eagles pass yet another difficult test.
The pick: Eagles 31, 49ers 27
Tom McGurk
Vegas has the NFL-best Birds as underdogs? At home? There’s a reason.
The pick: 49ers 28, Eagles 27
Melissa Hanejko
The 49ers, who are definitely not upset, not upset at all, about last year's defeat, are favored. But they are in store for another off-season of being 'not upset.' The Eagles aren't perfect, but they're the best team in the NFC and will prove it.
The pick: Eagles 31, 49ers 17
Greg Giesen
The last four weeks, the Birds have been very fortunate to have players stepping out of bounds (Cowboys), dropping a pass (Chiefs), or having a receiver-quarterback miscommunication (Bills). This week, the Eagles need more than luck – they need dominance.
The pick: Eagles 30, 49ers 14
Bert Bainbridge
The Eagles have been nearly unbeatable at home with Jalen Hurts under center since the start of the 2022 season (12-1). Now facing arguably the toughest, most complete team of that group, Philly will be tested once again. But in the end, the Eagles get the job done to further distance themselves atop the NFC.
The pick: Eagles 27, 49ers 24
Kevin Tresolini
Hoping for a big day from my fantasy QB and RB but a victory by the other team.
The pick: Eagles 27, 49ers 24
Tom Haines
Could be sloppy going with rain in the forecast, giving the 49ers a fresh set of excuses.
The pick: Eagles 30, 49ers 22
Michelle Ganassi
Eagles will be feeding off the home crowd. The 49ers may want a bit of rematch of their NFC championship game, but the Eagles will be one game closer to clinching a playoff spot after Sunday.
The pick: Eagles 27, 49ers 17
Brad Myers
Just two weeks after winning the Game of the Year, then winning an overtime nail-biter last week, the Eagles are playing another Game of the Year. That has to catch up with you at some point, doesn't it? The 49ers have had three extra days of rest, and like the Eagles, they're pretty good.
The pick: 49ers 31, Eagles 29
Bob Jordan
The +3 is a gift. Eagles are the first 10-1 or better team with a healthy, active quarterback to be a home underdog since at least 1970.
The pick: Eagles 21, 49ers 17
Overall records
10-1: Hanejko, Bainbridge
9-2: Moore, Tresolini, Frank, Haines
8-1: Ganassi
8-3: Myers, McGurk
7-4: Giesen
6-5: Jordan
Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on X @Mfranknfl.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Eagles vs. 49ers predictions: Our picks on NFC Championship game rematch
