It’s go time.
After a less-than-perfect regular season, the playoffs have arrived, and the road to a Super Bowl repeat starts with a matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Although it feels like a familiar foe, this is a far different 49ers team that the one that played two memorable games (2022 NFC Championship, 2023 regular season December game) here in Philadelphia.
Here are my initial takes on this version of the 49ers and the challenge they present this weekend.
Kyle Shanahan is the biggest challenge the Eagles will face this weekend. You can rip him for still being ringless, but I see one of the great offensive minds in pro football history. The job he’s done this season with injuries at quarterback and wide receiver has been remarkable. I would vote him as NFL Coach of the Year. Shanahan vs. Fangio is worth the price of admission.
If Nick Bosa and Fred Warner were healthy, this matchup would be far different. They aren’t. It’s a big deal.
The betting line has moved from Eagles -2.5 to Eagles -4.5. It feels more like Trent Williams injury uncertainty than professional money on the Eagles. Let’s monitor that.
What doesn’t matter from the 49ers’ loss to Seattle on Saturday night: How bad they looked. Seattle is the most impressive team in the NFL right now, and Mike Macdonald has had San Fran’s number. The 49ers were on a heater before that.
What does matter from the 49ers’ loss to Seattle on Saturday night: The Eagles defense has comparable personnel to the Seahawks, and can replicate some of their concepts.
The Eagles really could use a healthy Nakobe Dean back for this game. The 49ers will look to establish the run, and throw the ball a ton to Christian McCaffrey. Jihaad Campbell is talented and promising, but has had a tendency to get put in a blender in coverage (think Bucky Irving in Week 4) down the field. Shanahan will try to isolate the rookie if he has to play.
My weather app is calling for wind gusts of up to 35 MPH during the game time. That can impact the passing and kicking game in a big way.
Special teams will play a big factor. We know how much Jake Elliott has struggled. Meanwhile, after years of struggles, the 49ers special teams has bounced back in 2025—featuring the top unit in the league since Week 11. In that same time frame, the Eagles rank 24th.
The Eagles have only averaged 16.7 points per game vs. playoff teams this season. San Fran is dead last in the NFL in sacks. Something has to give.
Every 49ers linebacker that made the initial 53-man roster is currently injured. There’s no excuse for the Eagles no not be able to run the ball and throw over the middle.
Our first take on Eagles-49ers.
I talked about the Phillies-Bo Bichette rumors on WIP Daily.
Thanks for reading and subscribing!
