Welcome to Championship weekend in the NFL. The 2022-23 NFC Championship features the 2nd seed 49ers heading into Philadelphia to face the #1 seeded Eagles. Would you really want to have it any other way? This is a battle of two juggernauts in the NFC. Sunday’s NFC Championship has the makings of an all-time classic as these teams look to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl on February 12th. Let’s dive into the best bets and NFC Championship game odds.
San Francisco 49ers (+130) at Philadelphia Eagles (-150) – Sunday, 3:00PM EST
San Francisco is back in the NFC title game after falling to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Rams in last year’s Championship game. They are riding high as they enter Philadelphia as the hottest team in the NFC. The Niners are on a 10-game win streak after a hard-fought win against the Cowboys in the NFC Divisional Round last week. The 49ers success can be attributed to multiple things, but the acquisition of Christian McCaffrey has to be at the top of the list. San Francisco lost their 1st game with McCaffrey against Kansas City just days after the acquisition but have been unbeaten ever since.
In a year that saw not only their starting quarterback, Trey Lance, suffer a season-ending injury, but backup Jimmy Garoppolo as well, the Niners have shown an enormous amount of resilience. Rookie quarterback Brock Purdy stepped in as the shot caller for San Fran on October 9th and his only loss was that aforementioned game against the Chiefs. Purdy has thrown for 546 yards and three touchdowns through the team’s first two playoff games. Sunday will be the biggest test of his young career as he enters a violent atmosphere in Philadelphia.
The backbone of the 49ers this season has been their defense. They rank 1st in both yards allowed per game (318.6) and points allowed per game (16.3). Additionally, this defense is coming off a great performance, allowing just 12 points to a solid Cowboys offense. The Niners defense is anchored by All-Pro defensive end Nick Bosa who led the NFL in sacks this season with 18.5. However, Bosa is just one of many superstars on this 49ers defense. The whole squad will have their hands full this Sunday as they face an elite offensive line from the Philadelphia Eagles.
San Francisco 49ers Notable Injuries: RB Christian McCaffrey (P), WR Deebo Samuel (P)
After a rocky ending to the regular season, Philadelphia got back to their mid-season form in the divisional round against the Giants. They played as well as they had all year defeating their NFC East rival 38-7. There were a lot of doubters after Philly went 1-2 in their final three games, and with quarterback Jalen Hurts nursing a shoulder injury. However, Hurts and company put that to bed quickly as they jumped out to a 28-0 halftime lead last week in Philadelphia. In Saturdays game, Jalen Hurts threw for 154 yards and two touchdowns while also running for another one.
Additionally, Philadelphia got back to running the ball efficiently, rushing for 268 yards. Philadelphia has had the number 1 offense all season and will face their toughest defense yet on Sunday. The Eagles averaged 28 points per game this year while amassing just over 400 yards per game. Philadelphia will rely heavily on the arm of MVP finalist Jalen Hurts as they face a very stingy run defense in San Francisco.
Philadelphia’s defense is coming off a monster performance against the Giants. They allowed just 7 points and 227 total yards. This defensive unit has been solid for majority of the year and they will surely be put to the test with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. This defense is anchored by their defensive line. Philadelphia had 4 players with 10+ sacks this season in Haason Reddick (16), Javon Hargrave (11), Brandon Graham (11) and Josh Sweat (11). Safety CJ Gardner-Johnson tied for the league lead in interceptions (6) despite missing multiple games. They are set to face a rookie quarterback in Brock Purdy. With a raucous Philadelphia crowd behind them, this defense will need to play their best game on Sunday.
Philadelphia Eagles Notable Injuries: CB Avonte Maddox (Q)
San Francisco 49ers vs Philadelphia Eagles NFC Championship Game Odds and Picks
These two teams are incredibly similar to one another. Elite defense, elite offense, and great coaching. There are two areas that separate these teams and both are in favor of Philadelphia. One being the obvious advantage in quarterback with Jalen Hurts over Brock Purdy. The second and perhaps the biggest advantage is that this game is being played in Philadelphia. Strong quarterback play and the lunatic fans of Philadelphia will prove to be the difference maker in this one. Philadelphia will prevail and punch a ticket to Super Bowl 57.
Final Score: Philadelphia 21 – San Francisco 17
Wicked Wager – Eagles ML (-150)
Wicked Player Prop: AJ Brown Total Receptions Over 4.5 (-165)