NFC Conference Championship Picks
The guys (@GamblingPodcast) give out all their NFC Conference Championship picks in this latest NFL predictions podcast. They’re joined by Sean’s Dad to give out their best bets for the San Francisco 49ers at the Philadelphia Eagles.
Last night was a raucous show regarding the AFC Conference Championship with tons of love pointed the Bengals way. Today’s show highlights the big NFC matchup between the Eagles and the 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field. Papa Green joins the show to help bolster the Eagles and their prized leader Jalen Hurts. Brock Purdy is playing this game as his 3rd ever road start against an Eagles defense that is only 7 sacks behind the 1985 Chicago Bears, the all-time leaders.
In his historic run as Mr. Irrelevant, it is important to note that Brock Purdy has only faced one top 12 defense so far, which was the Dallas Cowboys. This was the only game Purdy was not extremely impressive and they barely won. With a rested defensive line for the Eagles, Purdy will be in trouble, as well as their running game. The running game can especially struggle due the injuries that have popped up this week from Elijah Mitchell, Christian McCaffrey, and Deebo Samuel.
Not having these guys at 100% could be troubling for the 49ers, but it shouldn’t be too earth shattering. All in all, these two teams have great defenses and great offensive weapons, the difference between these teams is quarterback play and the coaching. Kyle Shanahan is known to come up short in these spots and Sirianni has looked like a genius.
A large portion of the 49ers points come off turnovers and the Eagles do not turn the ball over much. On the flip side, Brock Purdy has turnover numbers that look good on paper, but when you watch it is clear he has lucky with some dropped interceptions.
History is against Purdy as well, as only 5 other rookie quarterbacks have started in a conference championship, and they all threw at least an interception. To win in the playoffs, quarterback play and play in the trenches. The 49ers have individual stars, but the Eagles are better on both sides of the ball overall. Regardless, the game will be chippy and both sides need to match opposing energy, but also protect themselves.
Despite the public taking the Eagles more, Sean will still be confidently supporting his fanhood in the Eagles. However, if you want to take the Eagles, taking the spread is better than the ML simply because of the odds that are paid out. If you are on the 49ers, the ML makes much more sense than the spread for the same reasoning.
49ers at Eagles Odds: Eagles -2.5, Eagles -150, 49ers +130, Game Total O/U: 46.5
Bets:
Kramer Wynn Build a Bet: Jalen Hurts most rush yards in the game and Eagles -14.5 points pays out at 29-1.
Sean: Eagles Defensive Touchdown
Sean Wynn Build a Bet: AJ Brown 2 TDs, Jalen Hurts Anytime TD, Eagles -6.5, +4995
Score Predictions:
Papa Green: 28-20 Eagles
Podcast Transcription
