2 teams take the field but only one team will be headed to the Super Bowl after this week’s NFC Championship game in Philadelphia.
The Washington Commanders will take on their NFC East division rivals for a third time this season, yet this time a trip to the Super Bowl is on the line. All eyes will be on these two top teams. When the NFC Championship is decided, who should you back to make a winning NFL pick at the top-rated sportsbooks?
Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for more betting advice.
NFL Pick
- Washington Commanders +5.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Sunday, January 26, 2025 – 03:00 PM ET at Lincoln Financial Field
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have not lost a game since November when they fell to the Dallas Cowboys 34-26 in Week 12. Since then, they have won six straight games, culminating in last weekend’s shocking 45-31 upset over the top team in the NFC, the Detroit Lions.
Now, the Commanders will have to face a division rival that they have played twice already this season:
- The first time they played was in Week 11 when the Commanders traveled to Philadelphia on a short rest week for a 26-18 Thursday Night Football loss.
- The Commanders avenged that loss when they hosted the Philadelphia Eagles on December 21st and got the 36-33 win.
In that game, Commanders QB Jayden Daniels cemented his status as the best rookie quarterback of the year when he threw for five touchdowns and overcame a 13-point 4th quarter deficit. However, to be fair, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was injured during that game and the Commanders were facing backups at the QB position.
Washington ranks 3rd in rushing yards this year at 154.1 yards per game. Washington is 5th in the NFL in points per game averaging 28.5. The Commanders’ 7th-ranked overall offense in yards will face the Eagles’ top-ranked defense at 278.4 yards allowed.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles looked to me to be the best team in the NFC but there are questions around the health of their quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts was concussed in the loss to the Commanders in December, and left the game on Sunday limping with a knee injury. Hurts isn’t 100%, but is he healthy enough to get things done?
The Philadelphia Eagles offense is second in the league in rushing yards per game at 179.3 and they are 7th in points scored at 27.2. With Hurts not being at 100%, it makes sense that they will rely on their star running back Saquon Barkley.
Saquon Barkley was elite this season with 2005 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Barkley thrived behind the elite offensive line of the Philadelphia Eagles and put up his best season as a pro. The Eagles will need another great performance from Barkley if they are going to advance to the Super Bowl.
Key Matchup: Philadelphia’s Offensive Line vs. Washington’s Defensive Line
Philadelphia is going to look to run the ball and that will be attacking the biggest weakness of the Washington Commanders. The Commanders ranked 30th in the NFL this season allowing 137.5 rushing yards per game. That will be a tough test going against the second-highest yards output in the NFL on the ground. The Philadelphia Eagles average 179.3 yards per game on the ground.
The Washington Commanders are going to have to play stronger run defense and force a limited Jalen Hurts to beat them if they’re going to want to have a chance to win this game.
If Washington can have a better run defense than they have shown this season, they have a good chance to keep pace and outscore the Eagles. If the Eagles are able to establish their identity on the ground this week, the Commanders’ dream season will be over.
The Pick
One of the hardest parts of evaluating this game is the status of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts was obviously limited as displayed in his inability to even make an attempt to evade a safety against the Los Angeles Rams. Hurts’ limitations due to injuries will play a major factor in this game.
Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has continued to exceed expectations this season and I believe this game will be no different. Daniels has everything that a quarterback needs and in this game, he will be the better quarterback on the field.
The Commanders are playing with house money at this point and should be loose, and playing with no fear. The Commanders will keep this game close. Take the Washington Commanders+5.5.
NFL Pick: Washington Commanders +5.5 (-110) at Bet365
*21+ Seek help with a gambling addiction at 1-800-Gambler
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
