The 7th-seed Green Bay Packers head to Philadelphia to take on the the 2nd seed Eagles. The two teams played all the way back in week one, in Brazil, and the Eagles came away with the win. A lot has changed since then, the Packers limped into the playoffs while the Eagles cruised to the finish line. They are the clear favorites here, but in the playoffs, anything can happen. Here’s a look at how this game should play out:
When Green Bay has the ball:
Green Bay has become a running team over the last part of the season as their pass rate over expectation is the lowest in the league, and they play at a snail’s pace. With Christian Watson out with a torn ACL look for Green Bay to continue to milk the clock with Josh Jacobs and keep the time of possession in their favor.
Love Nursing Injury:
Jordan Love has a hand injury, but it would be shocking to see him miss this playoff game. He will spend a lot of the time handing the ball off to Josh Jacobs and the other RBs, but the Eagles have been the toughest team to run on in the league, which could force him to pass more than the team would like.
Beat Up Receivers:
Not only is Christian Watson out, but Romeo Doubs is not playing at full strength, either. Jayden Reed struggles against man coverage, and Bo Melton is the new WR3 with Watson out. The Packers might choose to employ a two tight end offense with Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave to change things up, but either way, this is a rough matchup for Green Bay.
When Philadelphia has the ball:
QB Jalen Hurts is still in concussion protocol. Hopefully, he gets to practice by the end of the week. If Hurts can’t go, backup Kenny Pickett will get the start. Pickett has been underwhelming thus far when he’s played, but he can do just enough to keep drives alive.
Saquon’s Show:
Saquon Barkley missed his chance to set the NFL rushing record by sitting out Week 18 to be fully healthy for the playoff run. It would not be surprising to see Barkley get around 30 rushes, as the Eagles OL has a definite physical advantage over the Packers DL.
Eagles WR Advantage:
Green Bay’s best CB, Jaire Alexander, is on the IR, which should play to the advantage of Eagles WRs A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Both Eagles receivers have mismatches on the outside as the Packers secondary is on the slower side, and Brown especially should take advantage. Dallas Goedert returned from the IR in Week 18 and adds another wrinkle to Philadelphia’s offense and will force the Packers LB to watch him over the middle of the field.
Conclusion
If Jalen Hurts returns, the Eagles should have no problem winning this game. Losing the speed of Watson means the Packers will rely even more on their running attack, which will be an uphill battle against the Eagles tough run defense. Jordan Love will have to be next to perfect for the Packers to have any chance.
