Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington Commanders predictions: Picks and odds for NFC championship showdown
The NFL playoffs have reached a thunderous climax, with the NFC Championship Game set to enthrall one and all at Lincoln Financial Field. On January 25, 2025, the No. 2 seed Philadelphia Eagles will clash with the No. 6 seed Washington Commanders, with a golden ticket to Super Bowl LIX hanging in the balance.
Eagles enter as clear favorites, wielding a 6-point spread and a roster loaded with playoff-caliber talent. Washington arrive with the swagger of an underdog, riding the momentum of a shocking 45-31 road victory against the Detroit Lions. The betting experts from USA TODAY have spoken, and their predictions paint a consistent picture of an Eagles triumph.
Commanders seek upset against Eagles' firepower in NFC championship
The battlefield will be defined by key matchups that could swing the game's momentum. Saquon Barkley stands as the Eagles' most potent weapon, having steamrolled through the regular season with 2,005 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. His postseason performance has been equally impressive, accumulating 324 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Washington face a monumental challenge, ranking 30th in the NFL by allowing 137.5 rushing yards per game.
Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels represents Washington's hope factor. The rookie sensation has electrified the playoffs, completing 69% of his passes for 567 yards and four touchdowns. His back-to-back 250-plus yard performances showcase a talent that refuses to be intimidated by the playoff spotlight. Terry McLaurin complements Daniels' aerial attack, bringing 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and ranking second in the NFL with 13 receiving touchdowns.
Game details and betting landscape
The teams' recent history adds intrigue to this NFC championship showdown. They split their regular-season series, with Washington's lone victory coming when the Eagles started Kenny Pickett at quarterback. Even then, they won by a mere three points. In their other encounter, Philadelphia staged a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback that demonstrated their resilience
The NFC championship kicks off at 3 p.m. ET, with betting lines telling their own story of expectations. The Eagles stand as -300 money line favorites, while Washington sit as +240 underdogs. The point spread sits at Eagles -6, with an over/under of 47.5 points. Philadelphia's defensive front, led by Jalen Carter's 42 total tackles and 4.5 sacks and Nolan Smith Jr.'s postseason pressure, adds another layer of intimidation.
The winner will punch their ticket to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, facing either the Kansas City Chiefs or Buffalo Bills. For the Commanders, an upset would crown Jayden Daniels' rookie season with historic glory. For the Eagles, it's a chance to return to the NFC championship stage and continue their playoff dominance.