For several reasons, the 2024 NFC Championship game promises to be a classic. Along with having star players on both sides, this game is unique in that it will pit two division rivals against one another. Sunday’s game between the Eagles and Commanders will mark the 20th time since the merger that two divisional opponents will play with a trip to the Super Bowl at stake.
Eagles fans of a certain age can recall the first time their team faced a divisional foe in the NFC title game, when Philadelphia’s 1980 squad punched its first ticket to the Super Bowl after vanquishing the Cowboys. Washington fans have also been through this before; their team is 2-1 against division rivals in conference title games entering Sunday’s game in Philadelphia. Like the Eagles, Washington’s first NFC title was won at the Cowboys’ expense.
The Eagles and Commanders split their regular season series. Philadelphia recorded a 26-18 win over Washington back in Week 11. The Commanders got some payback by upsetting the Eagles, 36-33, in Week 16 in a game that saw Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts leave early after sustaining a head injury.
On paper, the Eagles seem to have the edge going into the rubber match. Philadelphia will be at home after capturing the NFC East division crown for a second time in three years. The Eagles nearly defeated Washington in Week 16 despite Hurts’ absence. And they have an MVP candidate in running back Saquon Barkley, who ran for 296 yards and four touchdowns against Washington during the regular season.
Commanders vs. Eagles matchup breakdown: Which team has the edge at each position in NFC Championship?
Jared Dubin
History would also suggest that the Eagles have…
..
