Only one game stands between the 49ers and their second Super Bowl appearance in four seasons.
But San Francisco faces a formidable opponent in the top-flight Philadelphia Eagles, who are hoping to end the 49ers’ 12-game winning streak in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field.
So who do the NFL pundits pick to win this duel of epic proportions? We’ve compiled their picks, and here’s what they say:
Albert Breer, Senior NFL Reporter: 49ers
Mitch Goldich, Publisher: Eagles
Gary Gramling, Editor-in-Chief: Eagles
Conor Orr, Senior Writer: 49ers
John Pluym, Editor-in-Chief: 49ers
These responses came from four assistant coaches and two front-office executives, all unnamed.
“I think Philly can do something similar to what Dallas can do with the defensive pressure,” said one manager. “Dallas hasn’t been able to capitalize on offense [against the Niners]. Philly’s offense can put even more pressure on her [to force the 49ers to play more aggressively on offense to keep pace]. have to be accountable [Eagles quarterback Jalen] Hurts in running play will slow down their edge rushers. The Niners are playing that two-high safety look, but Philly won’t mind because they won’t go vertical as much and will only attack midfield.
“Eventually Brock Purdy will fight,” said one coach. “If the Eagles can stop the run, they have a great chance of winning a tight game at home.”
“The Niners will do just fine, but ultimately the Eagles are the better overall team,” said another manager. “Philly’s defense will make life harder for Purdy than previous opponents.”
“The Eagles’ point output will be too high for San Fran,” said a second coach. “The defensive line will pocket Purdy and make inside passing more difficult. It’s not going to be a blowout, but I can see that the latter part of the fourth quarter isn’t competitive. I don’t see the weather or the crowd being overbearing for San Fran. Philly is easily the best team in NFC.
“San Fran’s defense is good,” said a third coach, “but Philly’s system will win at home.”
Selection: Eagles 6, 49ers 0
“The 49ers’ streak of 27 straight games without a rusher exceeding 70 yards on the ground (including playoffs) will end because of hurts. The Niners have struggled against mobile quarterbacks in recent seasons, but haven’t seen many of them that season, which is why they ranked fifth in the NFL for yards allowed per rush to quarterbacks (3.4). Hurts presents more of a challenge as he ranked fourth among quarterbacks in rushing yards (760) and first in rushing touchdowns (13) for 82 yards and a result in Week 2 of last season against San Francisco, and since the With Niners aiming to slow down deep ball passing, he could offer a similar performance on the floor. – Nick Wagoner
Eric Moody’s Pick: Eagles 27, 49ers 24
Seth Walder’s picks: Eagles 24, 49ers 16
FPI Prediction: PHI, 65.3% (down an average of 4.5 points)
Pete Prisco: Eagle
Jason La Canfora: Eagle
Will Brinson: Eagle
Jared Dubin: 49ers
Ryan Wilson: 49ers
John Breech: 49ers
Dave Richard: Eagle
Jamey Eisenberg: Eagle
Jarrett Bell: Adler
Chris Bumbaca: 49ers
Nate Davis: 49ers
Safid Dean: Adler
Tyler Dragon: Eagle
Lorenzo Reyes: 49ers
RELATED: Faithful to heavily outnumbered Eagles fans at the Linc
“Throughout the season, the Eagles were the better team. But in the last few months, since Brock Purdy became the 49ers’ starting quarterback, the 49ers have been better. I don’t want to discount the big guys Jalen Hurts and the Eagles had seasons and playing in Philadelphia is an advantage but I think the 49ers are playing better football than the Eagles at the moment and I’m upset.” – Michael David Smith
MDS’ pick: 49ers 24, Eagles 21
“It’s still a quarterback-driven league. And Jalen Hurts is a far more accomplished quarterback than Brock Purdy. Yeah, Purdy hasn’t lost a game yet. He’s also yet to face a team like the Eagles in a place like Philadelphia.” Maybe he’ll make a clutch game that’ll get a win. Maybe otherwise the 49ers are good enough that he doesn’t have to. Regardless, Hurts is the more proven quarterback, and I have more confidence in him to make one.” playing a big game at a big point and/or inspiring his teammates at the right moment to do something that makes a difference. There will be very little difference. – Mike Florio
Florio’s Pick: Eagles 24, 49ers 23
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