This Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders face off at Lincoln Financial Field at 3pm for a trip to Super Bowl 59. This is the third time the divisional rivals are matching up with this one being the most pivotal game of the season for these clubs. The Eagles are 6 point favorites at home, but that does not phase Washington as they look forward to a challenge.
How did they get here?
The Washington Commanders are playing in their first NFC Championship game since 1991. They got here by defeating the first seed Detroit Lions 45-31 on the road. Led by Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite Jayden Daniels. Daniels went 22/31 (70.9%), for 289 yards, and 2 touchdowns passing and he added 51 yards rushing to keep the defense honest. Daniels spread the wealth throughout the game hitting 6 different receivers in the victory.
The 2024 second overall pick has been one of many bright spots that has helped Washington go from one the worst teams in the league last year to where they are now. Dan Quinn in his first year as Washington’s head coach has put this team in position to potentially compete in their first Super Bowl in over 30 years. Veteran leaders like Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz, and Terry McLaurin have clearly made an impact on the young players.
The Philadelphia Eagles will be making their second conference championship appearance in the last three years after defeating the Los Angeles Rams 28-22. The snowy weather conditions contributed to the offensive game plan to keep the ball on the ground with the teams combining for 396 rushing yards, which is a single game rushing yard record this postseason. Offensive Player of the Year favorite Saquon Barkley led all rushers with 205 yards on the ground reaching pay dirt twice continuing his historic first season in Eagles’ midnight green. Going into this Sunday Barkley is 147 yards away from becoming the all-time leader in single season rushing yards including playoffs. Barkley will be the main focus for the Commanders as they plan to shut down the Eagles potent rushing attack.
Prediction
This will mark the fifth time since 2000 that divisional rivals met in the conference championship. Even though the Eagles clearly have the better team on paper, Washington is fueled by team chemistry and fearlessness. I suspect that the game will be within a one possession margin, but the Eagles will come out victorious and await the results of the AFC championship game. Eagles win, 30-23.
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