The 2024 NFC Championship Game marks the third and final showdown between the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles this season. 

With the NFC East rivals having split the regular-season series, this decisive matchup will determine not just divisional bragging rights, but a trip to the Super Bowl.

The Eagles are no strangers to deep playoff runs, boasting two Super Bowl appearances in the last six years, including one victory. However, last season, fresh off a Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs, they collapsed down the stretch, starting 10-1 before dropping five of their last six games and making a disastrous Wild Card exit.

Sunday's divisional win over the Rams served as a reminder to their passionate yet wary fanbase of one undeniable truth - their defense is elite.

While their 28-22 victory wasn't always comfortable, their defensive unit, along with Saquon Barkley's dominant ground game, showed off the same strengths that defined their regular season.

However, their regular season concerns - Jalen Hurts' health and an inconsistent passing attack - were also on full display, as Hurts appeared to injure his left leg in the second half.

In a stunning upset, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led the Washington Commanders to a dominant 45-31 victory over the top-seeded Detriot Lions on Saturday.  

After forcing just 17 turnovers in the regular season, the Commanders' defense came alive against the former Super Bowl favourites, forcing five turnovers.

With the defense setting the stage, the offense capitalised, converting those turnovers into three touchdowns, fueling Washington's 45-point, 481-yard offensive explosion.

Team news

Following the Detroit game, the Washington Commanders X account confirmed that standout guard Sam Cosmi suffered a torn ACL and will likely be replaced by Trent Scott for the NFC Championship.

While everyone anxiously awaited updates on Hurts' health after he appeared to injure his left knee, he never missed a snap - briefly entering the medical tent before returning with a brace. After the game, Hurts told reporters he plans to see “how the week goes” but fully expects to play against the Commanders.

As for rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, who played a key role in shutting down Commanders wideout Terry McLaurin in the teams' first meeting, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni told reporters that Mitchell  “should be good” for Sunday.

Past matchups

The first meeting between these teams in November saw the Eagles claim a 26-18 victory.

The rematch in December went to the Commanders, 36-33, in a game where Hurts exited with a concussion and missed the following week's final round of the regular season.

Both regular season wins came on each team's home turf, a trend that favours the Eagles' home-field advantage heading into this NFC Championship showdown. 

While these NFC rivals know each other well, their last and only postseason matchup dates back to 1990, when Washington secured a 20-6 victory.

Keys to the game

Fourth down gambles

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has been unapologetically aggressive on fourth down, a strategy that has paid off for Washington so far.

On Saturday, the team faced five fourth-down situations, opting to go for it four times and converting three successfully. 

While the strategy paid off against Detriot, aligning with their 87% fourth-down success rate from the regular season, their heavy reliance on keeping the ball in Jayden Daniels' hands could be risky against one of the league's most formidable defenses.

The quarterback factor

Both teams' biggest strengths and weaknesses heading into the game are closely tied to the performance of their quarterbacks.

Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has exceeded expectations in his rookie season, delivering steady performances each week despite a rib injury that forced him out of a game against the Carolina Panthers. 

Against the Eagles this season, Daniels has held his own, totalling 449 passing yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions across their two matchups.

However, history has not been kind to inexperienced quarterbacks in the playoffs - no rookie has ever started in a Super Bowl, let alone won one.

On the other side, Hurts brings the experience Daniels lacks. The two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl starter knows what it takes to win an NFC Championship. 

However, last season's late-season collapse still lingers in the minds of NFL fans, and with two injuries this year, questions remain about Hurts' ability to lead the Eagles back to the Super Bowl.

Stopping Saquon

Where confidence in Hurts has wavered at times, it has remained steady in running back Saquon Barkley.

The Eagles' marquee offseason acquisition from the New York Giants has been a game-changer, emerging as a frontrunner for Offensive Player of the Year and a driving force behind the team's success this season.

On Sunday, Barkley delivered a historic performance, rushing for 205 yards - the fifth-most in a playoff game of all time - and breaking off touchdowns from 62 and 78 yards.

Meanwhile, the Commanders ended the regular season with the third-worst rushing defense in the NFL, allowing 137 rushing yards per game.

If Washington can't find a way to contain him, Barkley could be the single biggest factor in deciding the NFC Championship.

Prediction

The regular-season split between the two teams adds an extra layer of intrigue to what might otherwise seem like a straightforward matchup on paper. 

The Commanders' steady consistency and Jayden Daniels' breakout rookie performance inject an element of unpredictability, making this clash far less certain than expected.

However, it's hard to argue that the Eagles don't have the edge at nearly every position outside of quarterback. 

An upset is certainly possible, and the -5.5 spread may be overvaluing Philadelphia, but with home-field advantage, a dominant run game and an elite defense, the Eagles remain the safer bet.

Eagles by 7.

Key game information

Kick-off: 7:00 am AEDT, Monday, January 27th

TV: ESPN

Online: Foxtel App, DAZN

Spread: Eagles -5.5

Referee: Shawn Hochuli

Overall record: Played 180, Eagles 85, Commanders 90, Drawn 5

Postseason record: Played 1, Eagles 0, Commanders 1