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The San Francisco 49ers won back-to-back games in New York to improve to 2-1 on the season. The Niners are back in the Bay Area for a pair of home games starting with this week’s Sunday Night Football matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles are coming off a 23-23 tie against the Cincinnati Bengals and sit at 0-2-1 to start the season. Quarterback Carson Wentz is struggling so far; he’s completed only 59.8% of his passes and thrown six picks. Pro Football Focus has Wentz as the third-lowest graded QB in the NFL this season at 47.3.
Philadelphia is 24th in the NFL in yards per game at 336.3 and sits 27th in points per game at 19.7. Tight end Dallas Goedert will miss the Week 4 matchup against the Niners with a lower-body injury, but help could be on the way.
Wide receivers Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson could play on Sunday, which will be a significant upgrade for Wentz’ throwing options. Miles Sanders has run for 190 yards on 38 carries through three games and will be the lead back again this week.
The Eagles’ defense has played well, giving up 330.7 yards per game, which is sixth-best in the league. Philadelphia’s pass rush was strong against the Bengals, recording 8 sacks, so San Francisco’s offensive line will have to be up to the task. The Eagles have the seventh-best passing defense in the league at 224.3 yards per game. Leading tackler Avonte Maddox also suffered a lower-body injury against Cincy and will not play against the 49ers.
Football Outsiders gives Philly a 23.3% at making the playoffs through three games despite having the Eagles dead-last in the league in DVOA at -42.9%. Playing in the NFC East will do that.
San Francisco’s defense should have its way with Philadelphia’s offense. The Eagles offensive line hasn’t been good so far, with the team giving up 3.7 sacks per game.
This was looked at as a tough game before the season, but with Philadelphia struggling, this is another matchup the 49ers should win.
What are your predictions for Sunday’s game?