Eagles vs. Packers: Key Players, Storylines, Predictions for NFL Wild Card Weekend

Four months ago, the Eagles and Packers kicked off the season with an instant classic in Brazil. Seven lead changes, big plays on both sides, and ultimately, a 34-29 Eagles win. Now, the stakes are higher, the setting is colder, and both teams look a lot different than they did in September.

Here’s Our Eagles Playoff Hype Video to Set The Tone:

In The Postseason, We Choose Violence#FlyEaglesFly | @Bcass28 pic.twitter.com/ttD2JaRo9y

— The Liberty Line (@LibertyLinePHL) January 7, 2025

When the Packers and Eagles squads meet Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field (4:30 p.m., FOX), a ticket to the NFC Divisional Round will be on the line.

The biggest question mark heading into Sunday is the status of Jalen Hurts, who is recovering from a concussion that sidelined him for the past two games. The Eagles will need Hurts to shake off the rust quickly to keep the team and what will definitely be a raucous sea of green at The Linc, locked in from opening kickoff.

Back in September, Hurts struggled with decision-making, throwing two interceptions and forcing plays that resembled the chaos of the Carson Wentz era. The Eagles’ offense still managed to put up 31 points, but they can’t afford to rely on luck and defensive support this time around. With the playoffs in full swing, Hurts must rediscover his preseason poise.

Fortunately, the Eagles’ offensive coaching staff should have a better handle on the Packers’ defensive scheme. Jeff Hafley, Green Bay’s new defensive coordinator, was an unknown commodity in Week 1 after transitioning from the college ranks. Now, the Eagles have a full season of tape to study, which could tip the scales in their favor.

Key Players to Watch

Jake Elliott: The Eagles’ kicker has been shaky all season, missing critical field goals that could have swung games. In a matchup with the potential to go down to the wire, Elliott’s reliability (or lack thereof) could be the difference between advancing or heading home.

Jalen Hurts: The biggest question heading into Sunday is the health and readiness of Jalen Hurts. The Eagles’ star quarterback hasn’t played since suffering a concussion on Dec. 22 against the Commanders. Before the injury, Hurts was on pace for one of his best seasons yet, showcasing improved decision-making and poise. If he’s sharp, the Eagles’ offense will be tough to stop. But rust could be a factor, especially with limited practice reps leading into this game.

Saquon Barkley: Barkley torched the Packers’ defense for 109 yards and two touchdowns back in Week 1, and Philadelphia will likely lean heavily on him again. The Packers’ run defense has improved significantly since then, allowing just 70.4 rushing yards per game over the final six weeks of the season. Can Barkley break through again? His performance will be pivotal.

Lane Johnson: Motivated by a snub for first-team All-Pro honors, Johnson has something to prove. He’ll face off against Rashan Gary, the Packers’ top pass rusher, in a battle that could dictate whether Hurts has enough time to find his playmakers downfield.

Johnson has a side-by-side comparison chart of Penei Sewell’s stats hung up in his locker

Josh Jacobs: On the other side of the ball, Josh Jacobs is Green Bay’s offensive engine. With 1,329 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns this season, he’s been the lifeline for a Packers offense that has struggled to find consistency through the air. The Eagles’ defense must limit Jacobs early and force the Packers into obvious passing situations.

AJ Brown: Even with a banged-up knee and missing four games, Brown has five 100-yard receiving games this season, tied for the league lead. With Jaire Alexander sidelined, expect Brown to be a focal point of the Eagles’ passing attack.

AJ Brown dropped an incredible Cheese Theory ahead of the Eagles Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers

Zack Baun: The Eagles’ All-Pro linebacker has been a revelation this season, finishing third in the league with 150 tackles. Baun was everywhere in Week 1, racking up 15 tackles against the Packers. Look for him to play a major role in neutralizing Josh Jacobs.

One game in the books and Zack Baun might be the most underrated signing in all of the NFL this season

Packers vs Eagles: Key Storylines

• Jalen Hurts vs “Rust”:Hurts had a shaky outing against Green Bay in Week 1, throwing interceptions that kept the Packers in the game. With nearly three weeks off, can he shake off the rust and find his rhythm early? His timing with receivers like Brown and DeVonta Smith will be critical.
• DeVonta Smith’s Playoff Pedigree: Smith has been a standout performer in the postseason, averaging 86.3 receiving yards per game since 2022—second only to Travis Kelce among players with at least four playoff appearances. His ability to step up in big moments could be crucial for the Eagles.
• Eagles’ Playoff History: Philadelphia has been a consistent playoff presence, with 17 berths since 2000. However, they’re looking to end a three-game home Wild Card losing streak, with their last win coming in 2006 against the Giants.
• Green Bay’s Inconsistency: The Packers have been an enigma this season, finishing with a middling record despite their talent. Their loss to the Bears in Week 18 exposed cracks in their armor, and they’ll need to play near-perfect football to take down a confident Eagles team.
• Special Teams “Wild Card”: The Packers have been excellent on special teams this season, blocking two kicks, including a game-winner against the Bears. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ special teams have been shaky, with missed field goals and a blocked kick returned for a touchdown earlier this season. If this game comes down to a late field goal, Jake Elliott will need to deliver.

These teams are statistically neck-and-neck, but momentum favors the Eagles. Philadelphia enters this game with their offensive weapons refreshed and ready, while Green Bay is still reeling from an embarrassing Week 18 loss and injuries on both sides of the football.

The Eagles’ ability to control the clock with Saquon Barkley and exploit mismatches in the Packers’ secondary gives them the edge.

The Eagles’ home-field advantage, combined with Green Bay’s defensive vulnerabilities, sets the stage for a hard-fought but decisive win for Philadelphia.

Eagles 31. Packers 17.

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