FILE - Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton, File)
The Philadelphia Eagles are one win away from returning to the Super Bowl for the third time in the last seven seasons. They’ll face the Washington Commanders in the NFC title game Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.
It was 24 seasons between the Philadelphia Eagles’ first and second Super Bowl appearances, (1980 and 2004). Headed into Sunday’s NFC Championship game with the Washington Commanders, the Birds are on the verge of playing in the Super Bowl for the third time in seven seasons.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is banged up and kicker Jake Elliott has been shaky, but they have the ultimate offensive weapon in running back Saquon Barkley, a Lehigh Valley native.
The Commanders are a team on the rise led by an exciting rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels.
Longtime Associated Press football writer Rob Maadi likes the Eagles’ chances. Maadi predicts a 26-23 Eagles win, and a showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX Feb. 9 in New Orleans.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also thinks the Birds will win on Sunday, 24-20.
Some stats of note headed into Sunday’s game, which you can watch at 3 p.m. on Fox.
Conference championship game history
The Eagles are back to play for the NFC championship for the second time in three years and ninth time in franchise history. They’re 4-4, including 4-2 at home.
The Commanders are in the conference championship game for the first time in 33 years and seventh time in franchise history. Washington is 5-1 in the NFC title game and has won three Super Bowls to the Eagles’ one.
Head to head this season
The Eagles beat Washington 26-18 in a Thursday night game on Nov. 14. The Commanders rallied for a 36-33 victory on Dec. 22 in a game where Hurts sustained a concussion in the first quarter. The Eagles had a chance to seal a victory in that one but DeVonta Smith dropped a pass from Kenny Pickett on third down, setting the stage for the Daniels to lead a comeback victory.
Jayden Daniels in the clutch
Daniels has thrown a TD pass in the final 30 seconds or overtime in five games this season. But no rookie quarterback has won a conference title game, going 0-5.
Saquon’s sensational season
Barkley, an MVP finalist, ran for 2,005 yards, eighth-best in NFL history. He sat out the final regular-season game when he needed 101 yards to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season record.
Barkley has 296 yards rushing and four TDs against Washington this season, including a 68-yard TD run in Philadelphia’s loss.
Key injuries
Hurts injured his knee last week in the snow against the Rams. If his mobility is limited, that’ll be a major advantage for Washington.
The Commanders lost right guard Sam Cosmi in their win over Detroit. They’ll have to find a way to contain Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who was a dominant force vs. Los Angeles.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
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