The Eagles' Run Game Faces Tough Test Against the 49ers' Powerful Defense
Christian McCaffrey's workload was staggering this season. Christian McCaffrey led the NFL with 413 touches, followed by Bijan Robinson, Jonathan Taylor, James Cook, and Jahmyr Gibbs. Despite his extensive role in the offense, McCaffrey averaged just 3.86 yards per carry in 2025, indicating that he struggled to be an effective runner.
The Niners' rushing attack was not impressive, as they ranked 24th in the league this season. The team's running game was only successful when it didn't turn over the ball, with just two fumbles on run plays all season. This is a crucial aspect for the Eagles defense to recognize, especially since their run defense has been inconsistent throughout the year.
The Niners' offense is not just built around McCaffrey but also features George Kittle and Jauan Jennings as key playmakers. However, the Eagles have improved their linebacking corps in recent weeks with new additions like Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, and Jihaad Campbell. While this presents a challenge for the Niners' offense to overcome, it also gives the Eagles an opportunity to exploit potential weaknesses.
The Niners' offensive line is light and susceptible to power running plays, which the Eagles possess in players like Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Moro Ojomo, Jaelan Phillips, and Brandon Graham. Brock Purdy, the Niners quarterback, holds onto the ball on average of 3.17 seconds per pass play, from snap to throw. The Eagles must also rush the passer with discipline to prevent Purdy's ability to extend plays and make mistakes.
Brock Purdy has been prone to turnovers throughout his career, throwing an INT on 3.5% of his passes this season. This will be a key aspect for the Eagles' defense to exploit, especially if they can keep Purdy in the pocket and limit his opportunities to make throws downfield.
The Niners have vastly improved their special teams play since the start of the season, thanks in part to Skyy Moore's performance on punt returns and Eddy Piñeiro's accuracy from field goal range. However, this presents a challenge for the Eagles' offense, which will need to find ways to counter the Niners' improved special teams play.
FeastinMeter: With these challenges, this matchup is expected to be an intense and closely contested game between the Eagles and 49ers
Christian McCaffrey's workload was staggering this season. Christian McCaffrey led the NFL with 413 touches, followed by Bijan Robinson, Jonathan Taylor, James Cook, and Jahmyr Gibbs. Despite his extensive role in the offense, McCaffrey averaged just 3.86 yards per carry in 2025, indicating that he struggled to be an effective runner.
The Niners' rushing attack was not impressive, as they ranked 24th in the league this season. The team's running game was only successful when it didn't turn over the ball, with just two fumbles on run plays all season. This is a crucial aspect for the Eagles defense to recognize, especially since their run defense has been inconsistent throughout the year.
The Niners' offense is not just built around McCaffrey but also features George Kittle and Jauan Jennings as key playmakers. However, the Eagles have improved their linebacking corps in recent weeks with new additions like Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, and Jihaad Campbell. While this presents a challenge for the Niners' offense to overcome, it also gives the Eagles an opportunity to exploit potential weaknesses.
The Niners' offensive line is light and susceptible to power running plays, which the Eagles possess in players like Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Moro Ojomo, Jaelan Phillips, and Brandon Graham. Brock Purdy, the Niners quarterback, holds onto the ball on average of 3.17 seconds per pass play, from snap to throw. The Eagles must also rush the passer with discipline to prevent Purdy's ability to extend plays and make mistakes.
Brock Purdy has been prone to turnovers throughout his career, throwing an INT on 3.5% of his passes this season. This will be a key aspect for the Eagles' defense to exploit, especially if they can keep Purdy in the pocket and limit his opportunities to make throws downfield.
The Niners have vastly improved their special teams play since the start of the season, thanks in part to Skyy Moore's performance on punt returns and Eddy Piñeiro's accuracy from field goal range. However, this presents a challenge for the Eagles' offense, which will need to find ways to counter the Niners' improved special teams play.
FeastinMeter: With these challenges, this matchup is expected to be an intense and closely contested game between the Eagles and 49ers