3 reasons why Commanders will beat Eagles: Odds, key matchups and player stats

This year's NFL Playoff Conference Championship round will see the Washington Commanders against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are aiming for their second Super Bowl participation in three years, while the Commanders could become the first team to do so with a rookie quarterback.

Philadelphia will host the game at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday in this intriguing matchup between NFC East division rivals. The Eagles are favored in the contest with a six-point betting line in a potential shootout that features a 47.5 total on the books.

The Commanders have been no strangers to pulling upsets during the playoffs this year, doing so on the road in both of those of their games so far. Here's why they can do it again this week.

Commanders' reasons they can upset Eagles in Conference Championship

Jayden Daniels

#1 - Eagles passing offense vs Commanders defense

The Eagles have severely struggled in the passing game this year, ranking 29th in passing yards per game. While Jalen Hurts hasn't necessarily had to do much with Saquon Barkley having such a dominant rushing season, this deficiency may catch up with them.

The Commanders ranked third this season in passing yards allowed per game, so if they can contain Barkley, Hurts will be forced to make plays through the air.

#2 - Jayden Daniels vs Eagles

Jayden Daniels faced the Eagles' top-ranked defense twice during the 2024 NFL season. The games were split with each winning one of them, and while Daniels struggled in the first meeting, he was dominant in the rematch.

In that game, he totaled 258 passing yards and five touchdowns, while also adding 81 rushing yards in the victory. He may have figured out how to attack them, as they allowed a season-high 36 points in that contest, which could play a major factor in the Conference Championship round.

#3 - Sacks and turnovers

The Eagles defense has thrived on pressuring opposing quarterbacks, including recording seven sacks in their first two playoff games this year. They also excel at forcing turnovers, ranking sixth in the NFL in total turnovers and turnover differential.

This has been a key to their success, but it may be difficult for them to continue that against Daniels. He has been sacked just once in his two playoff games this year and hasn't committed a turnover in any of his past three games. This could take away one of the Eagles' biggest strengths.