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To help preview the Eagles vs. Packers, we’ll answer a question daily about the two teams until kickoff on Sunday.
The first question was simple: What made these two teams playoff-worthy in 2024?
Philadelphia and Green Bay started 2-2.
Following the bye, the Eagles won 12 of their final 13 games, while the Packers won nine of their final 13 games. Green Bay overcame quarterback injuries and drastically improved on defense. Philadelphia rode the dynamic wave of Saquon Barkley and emerged as one of the best defenses in football.
Nov 24, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Green Bay Packers (11-6, No. 7 seed)
Packers Wire: The Packers reinvented themselves with new additions, using Pro Bowler Josh Jacobs to help power a revamped and occasionally dominant run game and Pro Bowler Xavier McKinney and first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to create a drastic improvement defensively. For large stretches of the season, the Packers relied on explosive plays generated on offense and takeaways on defense to win games. Green Bay ranked among league leaders in explosive passing plays and rushing plays and finished fourth in takeaways with 31. Jordan Love battled knee and groin injuries and was too turnover-prone during the first half of the season, but he’s protected the ball better in the second half. For the most part, the Packers dominated the league’s middle and bottom-tier teams. The problem was five losses against the Eagles, Vikings, and Lions — all teams with 14 or more wins in 2024. By most statistical measures, the Packers were one of the NFL’s elite or near-elite teams this season. But they have one last opportunity to truly prove it on the field on Sunday in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Eagles (14-3, No. 2 seed)
Eagles Wire: A retooled approach on offense and defense played a significant part in Philadelphia’s regrouping after last season’s late collapse. Howie Roseman read the room and invested substantial money in star running back Saquon Barkley. That signing took the pressure off Jalen Hurts and gave the Eagles a home run hitter and three-down back at the tailback position. Hiring Kellen Moore proved the right move for Jalen Hurts, and the Eagles quarterback was more efficient with the football this season. On defense, Vic Fangio implemented a two-deep safety scheme and inserted Zack Baun into the linebacker spot. Quinyon Mitchell was elite from Day 1, while Cooper DeJean’s insertion at the nickel cornerback spot helped Philadelphia improve after the bye week.