At the beginning of the season, plenty of people would have predicted that the Eagles would reach the NFC Championship Game. Few could have predicted the Commanders would make it, considering many didn't expect them to even get into the playoffs.
Now, Washington shouldn't be overlooked. With rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels powering one impressive win after another, the Commanders are a legitimate threat to win the NFC title and make their first Super Bowl appearance since the 1991 season.
The sportsbooks may be disrespecting Washington a bit based on the sizable spread.
This game should be closer than the betting line indicates. The Eagles and the Commanders played a pair of competitive contests during the regular season, and this should be another one that comes down to the fourth quarter.
The X-factor for the matchup could be Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts' injured left knee. It's possible the 26-year-old will wear a brace for the game, and it's unknown how that could potentially impact his mobility.
Hurts missed a large chunk of the Eagles' Week 16 matchup at Washington due to a concussion, and a Kenny Pickett-led Philadelphia squad couldn't hold on for a win.
As long as Hurts can play all of Sunday's game, the Eagles remain the favorite. And they should find a way to win, especially because of how much trouble opposing defenses have had trying to stop star running back Saquon Barkley.
The Commanders know Barkley well, and they've seen firsthand how he can take over a game many times. He should break at least one long touchdown run on Sunday, as he frequently does.
Washington won't go down without a fight, and the margin of Philadelphia's victory will be fewer than six points. So expect an exciting game that eventually goes in the Eagles' favor, as they'll head to the Super Bowl for the third time in eight seasons.
Prediction: Eagles 32, Commanders 28
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