Will the Eagles or 49ers represent the NFC in Super Bowl LVII
These two conference championship matchups are must-see TV. You can make an argument these four are legitimately the best four teams in the NFL, though some Bills fans might say otherwise, regardless these two games are elite. The Philadelphia Eagles are hosting the San Francisco 49ers in a clash to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LVII and most were predicting this matchup weeks ago.
The story of Brock Purdy is amazing, Mr. Irrelevant takes over and the team is better for it. He has certainly forced the team to have to make some interesting decisions this offseason, but that conversation is for a later time. This team is primed to get back to the Super Bowl behind a nasty defense and a surgically precise offense, especially since the midseason acquisition of Christian McCaffrey. The defense was number one in the league this season and they have been equally impressive in the postseason. The offense hasn’t been too shabby either, coming in at fifth in the NFL and putting up nearly 27 points per game.
The Eagles are led by NFL MVP finalist, Jalen Hurts. Many doubted him as the season began but behind an offensive line ranked number one in the league, according to PFF, and offensive weapons all around him, he’s proven those doubters very wrong. This Eagles team is just ridiculous. They ranked number one in sacks, with a mind-blowing 70 sacks, falling only two short of the ’85 Chicago Bears’ all-time record. They also produced a pressure rate of 25.5%, second only to the Dallas Cowboys.
The Eagles are a top-five team in several statistical categories as well. The one “weakness” might be their run defense, where they gave up an average of 121.6 yards per game, whereas the 49ers run defense gave up only 77.7 yards a game, number two in the league.
Oh, and one more thing, these two defenses are one and two in the NFL, separated by less than a yard difference per game! Both are top 10 offenses and both sport two of the best offensive lines in the league, as well as great pass rush capabilities. The 49ers, while not as dominant in the sack numbers, are still tenth in sacks and 11th in overall pressure rate.
This one is tough to pick a winner, but this game could go down as one of the greatest NFC battles we’ve seen in a long time. I think Hurts running ability proves to be a huge advantage here and can avoid what might normally be sacks, couple that with their elite offensive line and incredible pass rush, and I think they get the job done against the 49ers.
I’m taking the Eagles to advance to the Super Bowl, 20 – 17.