The Green Bay Packers (11-6) will open the playoffs on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.
The second-seeded Eagles beat the Packers in the season opener in Brazil, won 12 of 13 games after a 2-2 start and finished 7-1 — with seven straight wins — at home in Philadelphia.
In other words, the Packers have their work cut out for them during the NFL’s Wildcard Weekend.
Here’s a closer look at the Eagles entering the NFC Wild Card Round:
Last week (Win, 20-13 over Giants)
The Eagles sat most important starters on both sides of the football and still managed to beat the visiting Giants. Tanner McKee threw a touchdown pass in the first quarter, and the Eagles led 10-0 at half and 17-3 in the second quarter. Malik Nabers caught a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter but it was too little too late for the Giants, who were outgained by the Eagles backups. It’s hard to gather much from this game given the personnel and stakes, but mark it as impressive that the Eagles were able to win a regular season football game with the second-team depth chart. Former Packers linebacker Oren Burks had 17 tackles in the game.
Quarterback play
Jalen Hurts went out with a concussion after four passing attempts in Week 16 and didn’t play in Week 17 or Week 18, but he still finished fifth in the NFL in passer rating at 103.7. He completed a career-high 68.7 percent of his passes, averaged 8.0 yards per attempt and threw just five interceptions, while also rushing for 14 touchdowns — his fourth straight season with 10 or more rushing scores. The Packers limited Hurts — a dangerous runner — to just 33 rushing yards on 13 attempts and intercepted him twice in the season opener, but he also threw a pair of touchdown passes, including a 67-yarder to A.J. Brown. Luck has played a part for Hurts, who has 16 turnover worthy plays this season — including 10 under pressure. Hurts will be coming off a head injury and hasn’t played a full game since Dec. 15. Kenny Pickett (who has an injury to his ribs) and Tanner McKee are the backups.
Line of scrimmage
The Eagles were ranked as the NFL’s best offensive line during the 2024 season by Pro Football Focus. Both left tackle Jordan Mailata and right tackle Lane Johnson are elite players, and Cam Jurgens handled business at center in the post-Jason Kelce era. Consider this, however: the Eagles ranked only 24th in pass-blocking efficiency this season. They weren’t always perfect in pass protection. But Saquon Barkley rushed for over 2,000 yards and averaged almost 6.0 yards a carry, so this offensive line can do it all and will present a major test for an inconsistent Packers front. Defensively, the Eagles are undeniably elite up front. Per PFF grades, the Eagles rank second overall against the run and second rushing the passer. Philadelphia has five players with 30 or more pressures, including edge rusher Josh Sweat (54) and interior rusher Jalen Carter (53). This might be the deepest and most talented front in football. The Packers offensive line better be prepared for a big-time battle.
Turnovers
The Eagles were top 10 in the NFL in both limiting giveaways (15, tied for sixth) and creating takeaways (26, sixth). At plus-11 overall, the Eagles ranked sixth in turnover differential. Jalen Hurts protected the football, throwing only five interceptions — including just three picks after Week 1 vs. the Packers. Saquon Barkley fumbled just twice on 378 touches, although Hurts did fumble nine times. Philadelphia was 9-0 when not turning the ball over and just 3-2 when not getting a takeaway — highlighting how important winning the ball is to this game for the Packers. Eagles safeties C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Reed Blankenship combined for 10 picks. Linebacker Zack Baun forced five fumbles. Incredibly, the Eagles didn’t have an interception from a cornerback.
Injury situation
The big injury situation for the Eagles is at quarterback, where Jalen Hurts is attempting to come back from a concussion suffered last month. He hasn’t played since going down in Week 16. Receivers A.J. Brown (knee) and Devonta Smith (wrist) were working through injuries to end the regular season but should be fine for Sunday. The Eagles might be dinged up at some spots but are remarkably healthy entering the postseason. As long as Hurts is good to go, the Eagles should have all 22 preferred starters available for Sunday. Veteran rotational players James Bradbury and Brandon Graham are on injured reserve.
Players to know
RB Saquon Barkey: Maybe you’ve heard of him. Barkley rushed for 2,005 yards in only 16 games and led the NFL in touches (378) and total yards (2,283).
LB Zack Baun: The former Badger is now a Pro Bowler for the Eagles. He produced 151 tackles (NFL-high 69 stops), 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, 16 pressures and an interception. No. 53 will be everywhere on Sunday.
DL Jalen Carter: He led the team with 16 quarterback hits and 12 tackles for loss. His 53 total pressures ranked ninth among defensive linemen. Carter is big, strong and fast. The interior offensive line of the Packers will have their hands full.
WR Devonta Smith: He caught a team-high 68 passes and eight touchdown passes, averaged 9.4 yards per target and had a catch rate of 76.4 percent — a high mark for a receiver. A.J. Brown is a big-play threat, but Smith is a highly effective secondary weapon.
CB Cooper DeJean: The former Iowa standout has been a lockdown nickel corner for the Eagles. He’s fast and physical. His run defense has been exceptional from the slot, and he’ll also return punts for the Eagles special teams.
K Jake Elliott: The Eagles kicker made only 77.8 percent of his kicks in 2024, including a 1-for-7 mark from 50 or more. Something to consider if the Eagles have to attempt a big kick from distance on Sunday.