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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11). Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Three keys for an Eagles wild-card victory over Packers

By Jalyn Smoot | Last updated Jan 10, 2025 12:16 PM ET

More than four months ago, the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers opened their seasons with a high-scoring battle in Brazil — the NFL's inaugural game in South America. Now, the NFC juggernauts will compete in a playoff matchup on American soil.

Green Bay enters the postseason as the No. 7 seed and looks to recapture last year's magic when they became the first No. 7 seed in NFL history to win a playoff game.

Escaping the wild-card round will be no small task for the Packers, as they must overcome NFL rushing leader Saquon Barkley and a 15-win Eagles unit.

The Eagles, who have suffered one loss since Week 2, are favorites to defeat the Packers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Following a season in which they boasted the No. 1 defense and one of the league's most explosive offenses, Philly is primed for a deep playoff run. To fulfill their championship aspirations, the Eagles must first handle business at home against the Packers.

Here are three keys to an Eagles victory over Green Bay in the wild-card round:

Feed Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) hands off to running back Saquon Barkley (26). Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Just as they did for much of the season, the Eagles should lean on their Pro Bowl running back against the Packers. Barkley, who led the NFL in rushing yards (2,005) this year, has been exceptional in his first season as an Eagle. The 27-year-old ball-carrier had 11 games of 100+ rushing yards this season, which was the most in the NFL. Barkley also finished with an absurd 1,245 rushing yards in the second half of games, proving he can handle an immense workload if called upon this postseason.

In the Eagles' season-opening matchup against Green Bay, Barkley finished with 132 total yards, two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown. Now, in his Eagles playoff debut, the All-Pro running back could be in store for an encore performance.

Attack the Packers' secondary

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) celebrates with wide receiver A.J. Brown (11). Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

This Sunday, the Packers will be forced to do battle without standout cornerback Jaire Alexander, who was placed on injured reserve last week with a PCL injury. Alexander, a former first-round pick, was arguably the Packers' top cornerback, and his presence in the secondary makes the defense more vulnerable against the pass. Knowing this, Eagles OC Kellen Moore should dispense the superstar tandem of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith against Green Bay's backup cornerback options.

The Eagles were a perfect 5-0 this season when Brown had 100+ yards. Dating back to 2022, Philly is 14-3 when Brown records 100+ yards. Look for the Eagles to target No. 11 early and often against Green Bay.

Slow down Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) runs against Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (8) and cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27). Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

While Barkley and Derrick Henry's historic seasons received mass media coverage, Josh Jacobs has quietly enjoyed a nice debut season with the Packers. The former Raider finished the 2024 season with the sixth-most rushing yards (1,329) and fourth-most rushing TDs (15).

Controlling Jacobs and the potent Packers rushing attack for the Eagles to prevail should be the defense's top priority.

Jalyn Smoot

Jalyn Smoot is a University of North Texas graduate passionate about writing, sports, and film. Throughout his near decade-long career as a freelance reporter, he has been featured on Bleacher Report, Major League Baseball, Apple News, Fox Sports, and NewsBreak.

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