The journey continues for head coach Dan Quinn and his Washington Commanders squad this weekend. What a ride it's been for fans up to now. Reaching the NFC Conference championship game was a phenomenal accomplishment. But that won't be enough for those in the locker room.
There is a will to win and a fierce inner drive that won't accept anything less than greatness. The Commanders have defied the odds up to now. They are one win away from the Super Bowl — a surreal and unusual feeling for a team who've been dragged through the mud for decades.
Standing their way is the Philadelphia Eagles. Their fierce division rival overcame the snow to beat the Los Angeles Rams. They'll fancy their chances with a hostile home crowd behind them. It's another stiff test the Commanders must pass with flying colors.
Washington dug deep to destroy the No. 1 seed Detroit Lions. If they can perform up to or above this level against the Eagles, that could be enough to emerge victorious. However, taking Philadelphia lightly is simply not an option.
Can the Commanders' dream run continue? Or will the Eagles' powerful roster prove too much to overcome?
Commanders at Eagles game details
- Date: Sunday, January 26
- Time: 3.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Lincoln Financial Field
- TV channel: FOX
Commanders at Eagles early odds for NFC Championship game
According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Commanders are 6.5-point underdogs at the Eagles.
- Washington +6.5 points: -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
- Philadelphia -6.5 points: -102 (bet $102 to win $100)
Anyone looking to wager the Commanders' money line can get tempting odds of +230 currently (bet $100 to win $230). The Eagles are favored to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl at -280 (bet $280 to win $100).
FanDuel Sportsbook is expecting an entertaining affair at Lincoln Financial Field with the over/under set at 47.5 points. This is available at -110 depending on which side of the marker takes your fancy (bet $110 to win $100).
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Commanders at Eagles prediction for NFC Championship game
The Eagles have home-field advantage and are favorites for the contest. However, nobody will be writing the Commanders off again after their dazzling performance at the Lions to book a spot in the final four.
This is a fierce divisional rivalry where form often goes out of the window. They split the series during the regular season, but this has a different pressure attached entirely.
Jayden Daniels played with hurt ribs that impacted performance levels during his first visit to Philadelphia this season. It was an out-of-character display from the rookie quarterback, one he put right with a tremendous fightback to beat the Eagles at Northwest Stadium.
There were mitigating circumstances attached to that one as well. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts went out early in the game through concussion. Kenny Pickett played pretty well, but it helped Washington's cause.
The Commanders' game plan should revolve around containing Saquon Barkley. His first season as Philadelphia's running back has been sensational. He's gained 296 rushing yards and four touchdowns in two games against Washington this season. If he dictates the tempo, this will be a long afternoon at the office.
- Prediction: Commanders win
This could go either way. But after everything the Commanders have achieved throughout the season, who's to say they cannot muster one more big effort to win on the road?