Why are the 49ers favored over the Eagles?
When the 10-1 Eagles host the 8-3 San Francisco 49ers in Philadelphia on Sunday, they will be a home underdog.
As the underdog, the Eagles will be just the seventh team in the Super Bowl era to have 10 or more wins and either one or no losses and be a home underdog including the playoff games.
The 49rts have been the favorite in every game they have played this season, and are one of just two teams to be favored in every game this season (Chiefs). They have been the favorite in 20 straight regular season games, which is their longest streak since 1993-95 (35 straight games).
So while the Niners are very good and have been favored in every game this season, should they be favored in this game?
The Eagles are not only the defending NFC Champions, they have followed it up with a 10-1 mark this season, and are 5-0 at home this season, and are seeking to be 6-0 at home for their 6th time in SB era (first time since 2017, won Super Bowl that season).
Jalen Hurts has won 14 straight games against teams that entered with a winning record, the longest win streak for a starting QB since 1950.
San Francisco is favored, and are 3-0 since their Bye week, and have won 14 straight games in Week 10 or later going back to Week 17 in 2021. Philadelphia has won 14 straight regular-season games against teams with winning records, so something has to give.
Big picture, this game is very important, but this might be the most important number as to why this game is so important to the Eagles and their patch to reaching their second straight Super Bowl.
With a win over San Francisco, Philadelphia would have a 95% chance to earn the No.1 seed in the NFC according to ESPN Stats and info. With a loss, that number drops to 57%. As for the 49ers, if they win the game, they would have a 35% chance to earn the No. 1 seed in NFC - that number drops to just 0.7% with a loss.
We've waited all offseason and 11 weeks for this rematch, it's finally here.
Listen to the game with Merrill Resse and Mike Quick, Sunday with pregame coverage at 3 p.m. and kickoff at 4:25 on 97.3 ESPN.