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Eagles vs. Commanders predictions: Rounding up experts’ picks for NFC championship

Opinions are leaning slightly towards the Eagles as they head into Sunday’s game as 6-point favorites.

The Eagles are 6-point favorites against the Commanders in Sunday's NFC championship.
The Eagles are 6-point favorites against the Commanders in Sunday's NFC championship.Read moreDavid Maialetti / Staff Photographer

After a win over the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round, the Eagles will turn their attention to the Washington Commanders in the NFC championship game as the Birds aim to make their third Super Bowl appearance since 2018.

Despite Washington’s thrilling 45-31 win over the No. 1-seeded Detroit Lions, the Eagles still head into Sunday’s matchup as 6-point favorites. Both teams should know each other fairly well — meeting twice in the regular season and splitting the series.

In the Birds’ last meeting on the road, the Commanders ended the Eagles’ 10-game winning streak in a come-from-behind victory. Washington scored a go-ahead touchdown with six seconds remaining. Will something similar happen on Sunday? Or will the Eagles continue their chase for the Lombardi trophy?

Here’s what experts in the local and national media are saying …

» READ MORE: Jayden Daniels grew up a Donovan McNabb fan and wears No. 5 in the former Eagles’ honor

Inquirer beat writers

We start with our own Eagles beat writers. Here’s an excerpt from Jeff Neiburg’s prediction …

Jayden Daniels is the big wild card. The Eagles did a great job against him in the first matchup but let him run free too often in the second game. Without Nakobe Dean, the linebacking play will be critical. Washington is dangerous. But the Eagles are better. Will sheer talent overcome the question marks that hang over the game for the Eagles? I think so, just slightly.
Prediction: Eagles 27, Commanders 24
Jeff Neiburg

To read more of Neiburg’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 …

ESPN: Four of 10 panelists picked the Eagles.

NFL.com: Four of five panelists picked the Eagles.

Bleacher Report: Five of eight experts picked the Eagles.

CBS Sports: Four of seven panelists are backing the Eagles.

Pro Football Talk: Mike Florio picked the Commanders and Chris Simms picked the Eagles.

Sporting News: Sporting News picked the Eagles to get the win.

» READ MORE: Commanders putting ‘the emphasis’ on stopping Saquon Barkley ahead of NFC championship between familiar foes

Local media predictions

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

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

The Eagles host to the Washington Commanders on Sunday in the NFC championship game. Join Eagles beat reporters Olivia Reiner and EJ Smith as they dissect the hottest storylines surrounding the team on Gameday Central, live from Lincoln Financial Field.