Philadelphia Eagles vs. San Francisco 49ers Wild Card preview: Kick-off time, news, prediction and how to watch on DAZN

Two storied franchises lock horns on Sunday, as the San Francisco 49ers visit Lincoln Financial Field to face the Philadelphia Eagles in a Wild Card matchup that leaves absolutely no room for second chances.

The 49ers will be desperate to prove that their dismal offensive performance against the Rams last week was an anomaly, and that their injury-riddled defense can withstand the rigours of the postseason.

The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, meanwhile, chose rest over momentum in Week 18, prioritising recovery and trusting they can knock off the rust when it matters most.

With everything on the line in this one, make sure you take advantage of DAZN's latest offer to stream this and every postseason game, from now until the Super Bowl, for only £19.99.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this must-see Wild Card contest.

Who to watch

The spotlight inevitably falls on Brock Purdy for San Fran.

After guiding the 49ers to the brink of the NFC’s top seed, the 2022 NFL Draft’s Mr. Not-at-all-irrelevant enters the postseason on the back of the least productive offensive performance of Kyle Shanahan’s tenure. Three points, no rhythm, and no answers.

To be fair, Purdy was facing the Seattle defense in that game - a suffocating unit capable of shutting down the best signal-callers in football. Unfortunately for him, he now faces a road trip to face an Eagles' secondary with the potential and talent to do the same.

How he handles that pressure, especially if Trent Williams can’t go, may define this game. Without his All-Pro left tackle, Purdy’s margin for error shrinks dramatically, and Philadelphia’s defensive front, led by Jalen Carter, will test him early and often.

If Williams suits up, it gives Purdy an opportunity to rediscover his December form.

If there’s a release valve, it’s the otherworldly talents of running back Christian McCaffrey. With the Eagles erasing tight ends better than anyone in football, even George Kittle may be quieter than normal, meaning McCaffrey could be featured even more heavily as a runner and receiver than usual.

On the other side, this is about Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and, should Philly find themselves in a hole, A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith at wide receiver.

The Eagles’ offense has looked like two different units this season, and the dividing line has been the health of offensive tackle Lane Johnson. The Eagles are 8-2 when he has played, and 4-4 when he's been sidelined.

Johnson is expected back for this game, but will it matter, considering the 49ers have produced the league's fewest sacks (20) without Nick Bosa all year? The answer, in a word, is yes. At this level, and when the stakes are this high, every advantage counts.

Barkley looms large here, too. With San Francisco missing linebacker Tatum Bethune and leaning on veterans to plug gaps, Barkley’s burst and patience could stress a defense that’s already thin in space. Add in Hurts’ increased usage as a designed runner, and suddenly the Eagles have multiple ways to swing the odds in their favour.

Keys to the game

• The health of Johnson and Williams: This game may be decided before the ball ever leaves the quarterback’s hands. If the Eagles have Johnson and the 49ers don’t have Williams, the advantage is significant. Philadelphia can protect; San Francisco may have to survive.
• McCaffrey’s workload: The Eagles suffocate tight ends and challenge quarterbacks to win outside. That points directly to McCaffrey as both a runner and receiver. If he’s not heavily involved early, it’s hard to see where the 49ers’ offense consistently finds answers.
• Hurts as a runner: Philadelphia has leaned on Hurts’ legs down the stretch, especially in high-leverage situations. Against a linebacker group that could struggle in space, those designed runs may be the Eagles’ most reliable weapon.
• Turnovers and patience: Neither team wants a shootout. Sustained drives, field position, and avoiding the one catastrophic mistake matter more here than explosive plays. The first team to blink could be done.

Kickoff date, time, and location

• Date: Sunday, January 11
• Kick-off time: 9.30pm GMT / 4.30pm ET / 1.30pm PT
• Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Prediction

San Francisco can make this uncomfortable. Shanahan will scheme answers, McCaffrey will make the most of his touches, and if Purdy rediscovers his December form, this could be anyone's game.

But the matchup in the trenches is hard to ignore. If the Eagles have Lane Johnson and the 49ers don’t have Trent Williams, the balance tips. Hurts has more time in the pocket, Barkley finds cleaner lanes, and Philadelphia can control tempo.

On balance, this feels like an Eagles’ win.

Eagles 27 - 19 49ers

How to watch the Philadelphia Eagles vs. San Francisco 49ers on DAZN

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