Eagles vs. Commanders Predictions for NFC Championship Game

Eagles vs. Commanders Predictions for NFC Championship Game originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The No. 2 seed Eagles host the No. 6 seed Commander in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday at the Linc.

Let's make a prediction:

Ruben Frank (12-7)

To me, this game comes down to which team can do a better job of slowing down the other team's superstar. Saquon Barkley and Jayden Daniels mean more to their respective teams than two other players in the NFL. Barkley is having one of the best seasons ever, and Daniels is having the best season ever by a rookie quarterback. Both are in uncharted waters, setting more records every week. And, every time I look at these two teams, I just feel like - despite everything Daniels did against the Eagles in the fourth quarter last month - the Eagles' top-ranked pass defense is going to be able to deal with Daniels, and It's not the Commander's 30th-ranked defense capable of dealing with Barkley. Yes, Daniels has a better game than Jalen is currently hurting, but the Eagles have a better roster from top to bottom, especially on defense. They're the better team, and I think they'll prove that Sunday afternoon when Barkley threw for 175 yards and won his third trip to the Super Bowl in eight years.

Eagle 33, Commander 27

Dave Kemp (12-7)

The Eagles are the better team. Of course, the Commanders are an enthusiastic and confident team now, and they have a rookie quarterback who has been electric. But the Eagles are more talented and heading into their third straight home playoff game, and the Commanders need to win everything on the road. That’s not to say Daniels won’t make some plays. He will. However, this Eagles defense has been the best in the NFL this season, and they deserve all the credit as they prepare for the NFC Championship Game. On offense, Jalen Hurts may not be 100%, but the Eagles run such an incredible run that I actually think, as a passer in this game, Performance will be better. AJ Brown has been quiet all playoff time and I can't see the NFC Championship Game continuing. Linc will be swinging on Sunday and I think there will be a party at the end of this game. The Eagles should head to New Orleans for Super Bowl LION.

Eagle 31, Commander 26

Barrett Brooks (15-4)

This is exactly how I envision the Eagles being in the LINC for the NFC Championship Game. I really thought they would play at home. I thought they were going to be the No. 1 seed, but without a bye, they didn't go a long way. So here we are, the Commanders drawing the long straw and now facing the best team in the playoffs. The Eagles are the best of the four teams still in the tournament. I really believe this.

The Commanders have a very talented rookie QB in Jayden Daniels. He is a calm and collected player who doesn't let the pressure of the biggest game of his life worry him. At least so far. DC Vic Fangio will have something to say about his long tenure coaching in the NFL on Sunday at 3 p.m. I have a lot of confidence that he will have a great game plan for the rookie QB.

Offensively, the Birds must stick to their identity. It's tough. A physical running game that can't be stopped. This O-line is the best in the business. Saquon Barkley is the best offensive player in the NFL. It's as simple as 2+2 = 4! Run the rocks without turning the ball over. This has been a winning formula all season long. Why reinvent the wheel? Stick to the game plan and win convincingly!

Eagle 28, Commander 21

Mike Mulhearn (14-5)

Jayden Daniels was a threat in man coverage, and when you're blitzing, it's nearly impossible to stop. That was on full display against the Lions in the divisional round. The good news for the Eagles is that they run a lot of zone coverage and blitz at one of the lowest rates in the league. They'll give Daniels a run for his money as he looks to become the first rookie quarterback ever to lead his team to the Super Bowl. Washington will be their best offensive lineman in Sam Cosmi, who tore his ACL in Detroit. They often left Cosmi 1 two games into the season with Jalen Carter, and Cosmi was more important than his own game. It can be said that this is a huge loss. Carter has a real chance to spoil another game, and his internal pressure will severely limit Washington's ability.

The big question in this game for me is when the Eagles have the ball. Will Jalen be hurt as a threat in the running game after suffering a knee injury against the Rams? How many bodies will Washington commit to stopping? Can the Eagles hit enough explosive plays in the passing game? I'm expecting the Eagles to maybe be a little hurt by running from the gun group often, but Saquon Barkley will still get his. Washington hopes the 7-yard gain doesn't turn into a 70-yard house call. Under better conditions, I expect AJ Brown to be a major factor. He was hit with a three-pass interference penalty in the final game against Washington and should have plenty of opportunities to make big plays.

Dan Quinn will be brave every chance he gets. Nick Sirianni needs to match that aggression. Get ready for New Orleans for two weeks, it's going to be a fun one!

Eagle 31, Commander 24