Former 49ers cornerback gives his insight before the 49ers-Eagles matchup on Sunday.
The Philadelphia Eagles may be carrying the weight of expectations into Sunday’s Wild Card matchup, but not everyone is convinced they’re destined to cruise past the San Francisco 49ers.
Former All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman, a key figure in some of the league’s most intense playoff battles, believes the 49ers are far more dangerous than the betting lines suggest.
On a recent episode of The Richard Sherman Podcast, the longtime NFL defender pushed back on the idea that Philadelphia has an easy road ahead.
While the Eagles are at home and boast a roster filled with star power, Sherman sees matchup advantages that could keep San Francisco’s season alive.
“This isn’t going to be some easy afternoon for them,” Sherman said. “Kyle Shanahan understands that. The 49ers understand that. And I think deep down, some Eagles fans understand it too.”
The setting alone adds intensity. San Francisco returns to Philadelphia looking to erase the memory of its last postseason visit, a lopsided loss that spiraled after injuries decimated the quarterback position.
This time around, the 49ers arrive short-handed once again, but Sherman believes experience and coaching could narrow the gap.
Sherman focused much of his critique on Philadelphia’s offense, which has not lived up to expectations in 2025.
After Kellen Moore departed for a head coaching role in New Orleans, Kevin Patullo took over play-calling duties, and the results have been inconsistent.
The Eagles finished the regular season ranked 24th in total offense, a surprising dip for a team built around explosive playmakers.
“The identity looks different,” Sherman explained. “The big runs, the vertical shots—they just aren’t there the way they used to be. It feels conservative, and that plays into what San Francisco can do defensively.”
Despite dealing with injuries across every level, the 49ers defense has remained opportunistic. Sherman pointed to their recent showing against Seattle, where they allowed plenty of yardage but kept one of the league’s highest-scoring offenses out of the end zone for much of the game.
“They don’t panic,” Sherman said. “They’ll give you yards, but they tighten up when it matters.”
Defensively, Philadelphia still commands respect, but Sherman questioned whether the Eagles have the same depth that previously made them a dominant team.
That opens the door for Shanahan’s offense, especially if Brock Purdy is given time to operate.
“If Purdy’s protected, there are throws to be made,” Sherman said. “There are matchups Shanahan will like, and he’s not afraid to go after them.”
Philadelphia may be the favorite, fueled by home-field advantage and championship expectations, but Sherman sees a tighter contest unfolding.
A sputtering Eagles offense combined with a resilient 49ers team that thrives in chaos could turn Sunday into a battle rather than a blowout, and potentially deliver one of the weekend’s biggest surprises.