Eagles Playoff Rematch vs. 49ers: Best Game on NFL Schedule?
The Philadelphia Eagles' 2023 schedule is full of exciting games to circle, but a candidate for most-anticipated is a rematch of last season's NFC Championship game vs. the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field in Week 13.
The Eagles dominated the 49ers 31-7 in the conference title game to advance to Super Bowl LVII after a game that saw San Francisco rookie quarterback Brock Purdy suffer a serious elbow injury early on. Niners fans have spent all offseason wondering what could have been if Purdy had played the entire contest. Meanwhile, Eagles fans lament in the domination on both sides of the ball, as Philadelphia rushed for 148 yards and four touchdowns.
Sports Illustrated ranked the 10-best games of the 2023 NFL season and Philadelphia vs. San Francisco comes in at No. 4. Here's why:
While I can’t say for certain who will be playing quarterback for the 49ers in Week 13, given Kyle Shanahan’s hoarding at the position, I think San Francisco should have a living, breathing human capable of delivering the football. If Sam Darnold is your third-string quarterback, it feels like you understand the cosmic weight of bad luck and the value of being overprepared.
For the record, yes, I am saying that the 49ers could have defeated the Eagles with Darnold in that January game. I never really consider these kinds of games rematches, because last year the Eagles didn’t have Jalen Carter and the 49ers didn’t have what seemed like a baker’s dozen mid-round draft choices that could directly feed their personnel machine.
The Eagles did have Javon Hargrave, who has since flipped sides in this rivalry, adding even more juice to it as he goes up against his former team’s star-studded offensive line. Both of these teams are going to be different and better. Both of these teams are among the most well-run organizations in the sport.
As the top-two favorites to win the NFC Conference entering the season, this December matchup could play a big part in determining playoff seeding. Philadelphia's schedule is tough, with 11 games against teams that made the playoffs in 2022, including the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs. The Niners have nine games against playoff teams.
The New England Patriots vs. New York Jets contest in Week 3 earned the 'best game' of the season. The Patriots have not lost to the Jets since 2015, an impressive seven-year winning streak totaling 14 victories against the AFC East foe. It's the the longest-active winning streak by one team to a single opponent. This year brings a big difference in four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, definitely making it another one to watch.
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