Despite a struggling Eagles offense, analysts favor Philadelphia, citing their dominant defense. Can the Niners overcome the doubters and emerging defensive challenges?
The San Francisco 49ers are getting set to take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. And while the Eagles have proven more than vulnerable this year, particularly at the quarterback position with struggling Jalen Hurts, many are giving the team the benefit of the doubt.
NFL.com is one of the sites giving favor to the struggling Eagles. All five of the website's analysts have Philadelphia winning the game.
Tom Blair of NFL.com shared his reasoning for picking the home team in the matchup.
"Gennaro nailed it; this one is tough. In the end, I had to make a decision between what I want and what I think is right, which is really the dilemma at the heart of this cursed exercise every week. I wanted to pick the 49ers for a number of reasons, including Brock Purdy's renewed swagger, Kyle Shanahan's coaching acumen and, ultimately, because I just like them more. As far as defending champs go, the Eagles have been, let's say, unconvincing. ...
So why don't I permit myself to enjoy life and ride with San Francisco? Well, it's that pesky other side of the EPA-per-play equation -- the defensive side. In that arena, Philadelphia has been dominant, finishing sixth in the NFL on the season, well above where the Niners sit, in 25th -- that's Giants/Cardinals territory, folks. The last time San Francisco faced an elite defensive squad with a ho-hum offense, one whole week ago, things played out just how the magical numbers whispered they would, in a narrow Seahawks victory. And that was in Santa Clara. This Sunday, on the East Coast, with the Niners injury report including crucial names like Trent Williams and Ricky Pearsol while the Eagles get healthier, I've got to obey the math spirits again."
Washington Commanders quarterback Josh Johnson (14) runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts seems to be the X-Factor in this game. Hurts has probably been closer to 100 yards passing than he would have liked this season.
In eight of the Eagles' 17 games in the 2025 season, Hurts has been held under 200 yards passing. Opposing defense limited Hurts to 110 yards vs. the Buffalo Bills, 135 yards vs. the Detroit Lions, 131 yards vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 101 yards vs. the Kansas City Chiefs, 183 yards vs. the Green Bay Packers and 179 yards against the New York Giants. Again, those aren't quality starting NFL quarterback numbers.
The Niners defense hasn't been perfect, but is certainly capable of matching what the Chiefs, Packers, Buccaneers and Giants defenses are able to do.
The experts don't all like the Niners to win on Sunday. We'll see if they're right.