These are two of the NFL's premier franchises, two organizations that know each other well enough to say that Philadelphia and San Francisco have some history and that, yes, this is a rivalry. But, truth be told, what does the past really matter when the playoffs are here, when it is win to stay alive, when the only thing that matters is advancing to the next round of the postseason?

"What we did in the past, I mean, this is a new season," tight end Dallas Goedert said. "That's the way the playoffs are in this game, in this league. That's part of what makes these games so much fun."

San Francisco plays at the Eagles on Sunday in a 4:30 PM game (FOX/SportsRadio 94WIP) and we know what's on the line. We know what is required to win. The Eagles have shown many times the formula to win in the postseason, so the script is not any different here.

"The team that plays the most detailed football and makes the fewest mistakes and puts the ball in the end zone the most is the team that wins," running back Saquon Barkley said.

True enough. There are plenty of pretty cool storylines for this one, so let's get to it as the NFL's Wild Card Playoff Weekend is here!

1. The injury factor matters

The Eagles enter this game feeling like they have a positive health situation. Resting the starters last week gave the offensive line and others a welcomed opportunity to breathe and just shake off a lot of bumps and bruises, so how will that impact things in this game? Right tackle Lane Johnson is listed as questionable after having limited practice all week. The 49ers have left tackle Trent Williams listed as questionable after a limited week of practice, and they hope he goes and that his hamstring injury is OK. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall caught 36 passes during the season and averaged 14.7 yards per catch, but he is questionable, too. The linebacking group is down to reserves with so many injuries – Fred Warner, Tatum Bethune, and Nick Martin, all starters, won't play.

2. What will the Eagles' offense look like on Sunday?

Will the postseason bring the 60-minute goal of consistency the Eagles have been striving for all season? How do they attack a 49ers defense that has sustained so many injuries in 2025? What is the approach Philadelphia takes in a game against a San Francisco defense that has manufactured six interceptions during the regular season and produced an NFL-low 20 quarterback sacks? The Eagles have been excellent at ball security, and they led the NFL in red zone touchdown efficiency. They have had games during which things really clicked. They have had games when the struggles were real. Against a San Francisco team that led with a high-scoring offense to win 12 games in the regular season, the Eagles need to be on point for four quarters.

3. Christian McCaffrey holds the key to 49ers attack

There are plenty of weapons on the 49ers – tight end George Kittle is outstanding and wide receiver Jauan Jennings caught 55 passes and scored nine touchdowns, and the 49ers spread the football around admirably. But the offense runs through the many talents of running back Christian McCaffrey, who also excels in the catch-and-run game. The Eagles have obviously seen him before, and they know the damage he can inflict upon a defense, so the way the defense rallies to McCaffrey when he has the ball is going to be a focal point. Limiting his explosive plays is a large priority.

4. Turnovers and penalties are two critical statistics

These teams performed at opposite ends of the statistical spectrum in these two categories during the regular season, and the numbers here bear watching for Sunday. Philadelphia was a plus-6 in the giveaway/takeaway department during the season, seventh-best in the league. San Francisco was a minus-6, ranking 26th in the NFL. As for penalties, the 49ers committed 4.9 per game, second-best in the NFL, and their 38.3 yards per game in penalties ranked third best. The Eagles committed 6.9 penalties per game (tied for 22nd) and had 63.1 yards per game in penalties (28th).

5. Vic Fangio and Kyle Shanahan: A classic chess match

One of the game's best defensive coordinators matches wits and schemes and adjustments on Sunday against one of the best offensive coordinators. Shanahan likes eye candy, pre-snap motion, and can be expected to dial up several unscouted looks during the game. Fangio has answered every question and faced every situation in his long, storied coaching career. How these two attack and adjust to each other is going to be a treat to watch and could be the key to the game.

6. What are the X factors on Sunday?

• 49ers placekicker Eddy Pineiro has made 28 of 29 field goals and has excelled from 40 yards and out. The weather could be windy and sloppy, so the conditions will be a factor. Jake Elliott has been great in his postseason career, making 26 of 27 field goals.

• San Francisco ranked first in the regular season in third-down offense, converting 49.8 percent of their third downs.The Eagles have to win on first and second downs.

• Philadelphia hasn't seen a lot of a true fullback this season, but they will on Sunday with Kyle Juszczyk on the field. He is a Pro Bowl player who blocks well, displaces in the formation, and caught 24 passes as a safety outlet for quarterback Brock Purdy.

• As always, the return game is huge. Skyy Moore is an explosive return man for the 49ers. The Eagles feel that Britain Covey has been so, so close to breaking a big one in the punt game. Hidden yardage, as always, holds an importance here.