Jason Kelce Backs Eagles to Topple 49ers in Wild Card Showdown: Here’s Why

Jason Kelce explains why he trusts Eagles to beat 49ers in playoff opener

When Jason Kelce talks football, smart fans listen. The longtime Philadelphia Eagles center—known for his grit, leadership, and unfiltered honesty—has thrown his full weight behind his team ahead of their do-or-die Eagles vs 49ers Wild Card showdown. In a recent interview, Kelce didn’t just offer vague optimism; he delivered a sharp, tactical breakdown of why he believes Philly holds the edge over a formidable San Francisco squad .

With both teams nursing playoff scars from past meetings—including the heartbreaking 2022 NFC Championship loss in Philly—this rematch is dripping with narrative tension. But Kelce insists this time is different. “I think they’ll win,” he said plainly, before unpacking three critical pillars of his confidence: a dominant run game, Jalen Hurts’ dual-threat mastery, and a defense finally firing on all cylinders .

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Why Kelce Believes in the Eagles

Kelce’s faith isn’t rooted in blind loyalty—it’s built on what he sees every day in practice and film study. Unlike previous postseason runs where the Eagles leaned heavily on one side of the ball, Kelce emphasizes that the 2025–26 squad boasts rare balance. “We’re not a one-trick pony,” he noted. “We can beat you on the ground, through the air, or shut you down defensively.”

This holistic strength, he argues, gives Philadelphia a strategic flexibility San Francisco may struggle to counter—especially in a single-elimination setting where adjustments are limited.

The Run Game: Philadelphia’s Secret Weapon

At the heart of the Eagles’ offensive identity is a bruising, versatile rushing attack. Led by a healthy Saquon Barkley and supported by Hurts’ own legs, Philly finished the regular season among the league’s top five in rushing yards per game .

Kelce, anchoring one of the NFL’s best offensive lines, knows firsthand how demoralizing this ground game can be:

  • It controls the clock, limiting 49ers star QB Brock Purdy’s possessions.
  • It sets up play-action passes, opening deep shots to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
  • It wears down defenses—critical in cold January conditions at Lincoln Financial Field.

“If we establish the run early,” Kelce explained, “the whole game plan opens up. And their front seven has been banged up late in the year.”

Jalen Hurts’ Mobility: A Matchup Nightmare

While the 49ers boast an elite defensive line featuring Nick Bosa, Kelce points to Hurts’ elusiveness as the great equalizer. “You can scheme all you want,” he said, “but when your quarterback can escape pressure and gain 10 yards with his legs, it breaks defensive discipline.”

Hurts averaged over 50 rushing yards per game this season, often delivering clutch scrambles on third down. Against a 49ers defense that thrives on pocket pressure, his ability to extend plays could be the difference between a punt and a touchdown drive.

A Healthy Defense Changes Everything

Perhaps the biggest shift since the 2022 NFC title game? The Eagles’ defense is now at full strength. After battling injuries to key players like Darius Slay and Jordan Davis for much of the season, coordinator Vic Fangio’s unit enters the playoffs with its starting lineup intact .

This means:

  • Better coverage against 49ers weapons like Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk.
  • Stronger interior push to disrupt Purdy’s quick-release rhythm.
  • Fewer missed tackles—a glaring issue in their earlier loss to San Francisco.

“Health gives us a chance to play our style,” Kelce asserted. “And our style wins games in January.”

Acknowledging the 49ers’ Threat

To his credit, Kelce didn’t dismiss San Francisco’s strengths. He called them “one of the most well-coached teams in football” and praised Kyle Shanahan’s offensive creativity . He also acknowledged that if the 49ers control the line of scrimmage and force Hurts into obvious passing situations, the game could tilt quickly.

But his core belief remains: the Eagles’ current roster construction—and home-field advantage—gives them the upper hand in this specific Eagles vs 49ers battle.

Conclusion: Can the Eagles Exact Revenge?

Jason Kelce’s analysis cuts through the hype. His confidence in the Eagles isn’t based on emotion but on tangible advantages: a punishing run game, a mobile quarterback who thrives under pressure, and a defense finally clicking at the right time. While the Eagles vs 49ers rivalry has produced heartbreak for Philly before, Kelce sees all the pieces aligning for redemption. As fans gear up for what promises to be an instant classic, his words serve as both a rallying cry and a strategic blueprint. All eyes will be on Lincoln Financial Field to see if his vision becomes reality.

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