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Eagles vs. Packers predictions: Rounding up the experts’ picks for Sunday’s wild-card game

Opinions are leaning heavily toward the Eagles, who are 4.5-point favorites.

Saquon Barkley rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns against the Packers in the Eagles' Week 1 win in São Paulo, Brazil.
Saquon Barkley rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns against the Packers in the Eagles' Week 1 win in São Paulo, Brazil.Read moreDavid Maialetti / Staff Photographer

After an inconsequential win over the New York Giants in Week 18 — a game in which Philly rested its starters — the Eagles turn their attention to the Green Bay Packers (11-6) on Sunday in a wild-card matchup at Lincoln Financial Field.

As the No. 2 seed in the NFC, the Birds (14-3) are a much different team from their last meeting with the Packers in their season opener in Brazil. Despite a 34-29 victory over Green Bay, the Birds struggled defensively, allowing 414 yards and 7.8 yards per carry. But the Eagles defense is now one of the best in the NFL.

The Birds enter Sunday’s game 4.5-point favorites over the No. 7-seeded Packers. Will their chase for the Lombardi Trophy continue? Or will Green Bay spoil the Birds’ chances? Here’s what experts in the local and national media are saying …

Inquirer writers

We start with our own Eagles writers. Here’s an excerpt from Olivia Reiner’s prediction …

This is a good Packers team, but it hasn’t performed that way in games against top opponents. Green Bay has gone 0-5 against teams with a minimum of 13 wins this year and 11-0 against all other opponents. The Eagles have much more momentum and confidence going into the postseason compared to last year, and I think they can come out on top of this matchup with a win.
Prediction: Eagles 24, Packers 20
Olivia Reiner

To read more of Reiner’s take, plus how our other beat writers are predicting this one, check out our full predictions here.

National media predictions

Now, here’s what those around the country think about the Eagles’ chances this week …

  1. NFL.com: All five panelists picked the Eagles.

  2. Bleacher Report: Six of eight experts picked the Eagles.

  3. CBS Sports: Six of eight panelists are backing the Eagles.

  4. Pro Football Talk: Mike Florio and Chris Simms picked the Eagles, saying Jordan Love’s injury might be worse than the Packers will admit to themselves.

  5. Sports Illustrated: Five of six experts picked the Eagles.

  6. Sporting News: Two experts picked the Eagles.

Local media predictions

Here’s what media in Philadelphia think will happen on Sunday …

  1. Delaware Online: 13 of 13 panelists are backing the Eagles.

The Eagles play in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs against the Green Bay Packers. Join Eagles beat reporters Olivia Reiner and EJ Smith as they dissect the hottest story lines surrounding the team on Gameday Central, live from Lincoln Financial Field.