The 2024-2025 Wild Card Round is upon us. After a Week 1 performance that had us leave Brazil happy, the Philadelphia Eagles face off with the Green Bay Packers for the second time this NFL season. So much more is on the line this time. The loser won't be playing another game that counts until next September.
If the Eagles pull out a win, they put a bow on their second defeat of The Pack this season, and they will have beaten them in two different countries. That's the first time we have seen something like that has happened.
Philly has the home-field advantage. They also boast one of the healthiest teams entering the postseason field. The best news on that front is their QB1, Jalen Hurts, is back.
Sure, fans love it when the Eagles are the underdog, but nothing beats seeing a team that deserves recognition. Here are a few predictions for Sunday's performance as they begin their quest for the second Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Saquon Barkley will eclipse over 125 yards rushing.
In his first season with the Eagles, Saquon Barkley joined the 2,000 club. He needed 101 yards to surpass Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record, but the decision was made to rest him instead of putting him in harm's way to attempt to set a record.
Sitting the Eagles' starters in Week 18 means Philly's coaches had their sights set on the bigger picture. In seven seasons, this is only the second time No. 26 is seeing the postseason, and he will make up for lost time.
He averaged 125 yards per game during the regular season. We see him doing work in the playoffs. Barkley will run for 125 yards in this one, and though it won't count toward helping him surpass Dickerson, it will help deliver a win.
The Eagles' defense will end Jordan Love's seven-week streak of zero interceptions.
Vic Fangio and company are the real deal. Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell have set a new standard for rookie cornerbacks. Guys like Zach Braun, Nakobe Dean, Reed Blankenship, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson have solidified one of the best defenses fans have seen in a long time. This unit is talented, but most of all, they are fundamentally well-prepared weekly.
On the Packers' side, Jordan Love threw at least one interception during his first eight games, but he's on a hot streak now. He hasn't thrown a pick in seven consecutive games, but that ends this week. Philly will turn him over in this one.
Jake Elliott won't miss a field-goal attempt or an extra point.
Jake Elliott has had a rough season. How's that for an understatement? Some are concerned that he won't come through in the clutch if asked to do so.
In 17 games this season, the Eagles' long-time kicker has missed eight field goals and one extra point. Statistically, it's been one of his worst seasons. He has also missed six of seven attempts from 50 yards or farther.
Well, he hasn't been cut, and he won't be. Nick Sirianni believes in him despite the diminishing confidence, and Philly should too. Jake won't miss on Sunday, even if the attempt is from beyond 50.
The Eagles will advance to the Divisional Round, spearheaded by their rushing attack.
It's no surprise that Philadelphia's run game has been spectacular. They aren't fueled by a one-trick offense though. When they have relied on the passing attack, that has been impressive too.
This week, we get to see them put it all together. The offense is going to score. That's a given. This team has no holes, but its identity is a running team that plays tough defense.
It's simple. All the Eagles need to do is follow the blueprint to win this game and follow the blueprint they shall. A Super Bowl appearance isn't out of the realm of possibility.