NFC championship game preview: Jayden Daniels’ Commanders tries to keep magical story going vs. favored Eagles
By Frank Schwab
Nothing against the Philadelphia Eagles, who are on an impressive run. But the story of the NFC championship game — and probably the entire NFL season — is Jayden Daniels.
Daniels, the second pick of the NFL Draft who had what is likely the greatest rookie season for a quarterback in league history, will try to do something that has never been done before. If the Washington Commanders win on Sunday, Daniels would become the first rookie quarterback ever to start a Super Bowl. He has had numerous signature moments in a historic rookie season, but making that history would endure for a long time.
The Eagles have their own fantastic stories, starting with Saquon Barkley’s magical season that will go down as one of the best running back seasons in NFL history. But this weekend, the stage belongs to a rookie quarterback trying to lead yet another upset and make some history.
The matchup
No. 6 Washington Commanders (14-5) at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles (16-3)
Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia
3 p.m. ET
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How to watch Commanders at Eagles
This game will be broadcast on Fox and Fox Deportes.
Betting odds
The Eagles are a 6-point favorite at BetMGM. The line opened at Eagles -5 and moved, showing some hesitancy about the Commanders in the betting market. For a Week 11 Thursday night matchup in Philadelphia, the Eagles were a 4.5-point favorite. When the teams met again at Washington in Week 16, the Commanders were a 4-point underdog. The total for the game is 47.5.
X-factor
Somehow, the Commanders have to slow down Saquon Barkley. In the two regular-season meetings, Barkley rushed for 146 and 150 yards against them. Washington probably isn’t holding Barkley under 100 yards. He has hit 100 yards in 11 of his last 13 games. The Commanders gave up the third-most rushing yards and fifth-highest yards per carry in the NFL for the regular season. But they need to find a way to keep Barkley from taking over the game, and it probably starts with their linebackers. Bobby Wagner had another exceptional season. He ranked second among linebackers in run defense grade this season at Pro Football Focus. Frankie Luvu was an expert signing in free agency. He had 10 tackles and two sacks in the first meeting with the Eagles. The Commanders’ top two linebackers are crucial to keeping the Eagles from running all over them. Others like safety Jeremy Chinn will need to step up as well. Barkley is going to get plenty of yards. But Washington’s run defense needs to make sure he doesn’t gash it with multiple big plays. It’s a big ask.
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