Last week, the 49ers (1-2) lost 23-14 on the road to the Arizona Cardinals. The Eagles (3-0) beat the Washington Redskins 37-34 at home.
The 49ers are looking to rebound after losing their second straight game. Penalties and a lack of second half production have really hurt San Francisco during this early part of the season. With the NFC West being very competitive, a win against the Eagles would be a huge boost for the team.
On a good note for the 49ers, it looks like quarterback Colin Kaepernick and wide receiver Stevie Johnson may finally be clicking. Johnson had nine catches for 103 yards against the Cardinals during week 3. That is great news for a team that already has Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree at wide receiver.
As mentioned, penalties have really hurt the 49ers. During week one, the team was penalized eleven times for 78 yards. During week two, it was sixteen times for 118 yards. Week three had nine for 107 yards. Boldin has publicly criticized the officiating during their losses.
The 49ers' defense will try to slow down the Eagles' fast paced offense. However, the unit is still without linebackers NaVorro Bowman and Aldon Smith for much of the season. Bowman is recovering from an injury suffered in last season's NFC Championship game. Smith is serving a league issued suspension. The defense is also without defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, who is also recovering from an injury. Cornerback Tramaine Brock, who is recovering from a toe injury, is not expected to play against the Eagles.
On offense, tight ends Vernon Davis and Vance McDonald are both listed as questionable. However, McDonald has said that he will play while Davis' status is more uncertain.
The Eagles have been dealing with issues along their offensive line. Tackle Lane Johnson will miss the game against the 49ers due to a suspension. Allen Barber, who was supposed to fill in for Johnson, broke his ankle during the team's opener. Center Jason Kelce will miss eight weeks because of a hernia. Guard Evan Mathis will miss a good deal of time with a knee injury.
This is good news for the 49ers, who have been unable to generate a consistent pass rush on defense. They may be able to get something started against the Eagles.
Last season's 49ers also started out 1-2. That team would end up winning 11 of their final 13 games and appearing in the NFC Championship game for the third season in a row. A big difference is how they have been playing during the second half of each of their games this season. The 49ers have outscored opponents 59-16 during the first halves. During the second halves, they have been outscored by opponents 52-3 and are the league's only team to not score in the fourth quarter.
As usual, you can visit 49erswebzone.com for the latest news and updates during and after the game.
Offensive Rankings:
The 49ers rank 20th with 332 yards per game. The Eagles rank 6th with 419 yards per game.
Defensive Rankings:
The 49ers rank 6th, allowing 312 yards per game. The Eagles rank 26th, allowing 386 yards per game.
The 49ers beat the Eagles 24-23 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Kickoff:
The game kicks off at 1:25 PM PT.
Betting:
The 49ers are 5 point favorites.
Fan Picks:
At Yahoo! Sports, 52% of fans believe that the 49ers will win this game. Within our Pick 'em contest, 83% of fans believe that the 49ers will win this game.
Follow the Game:
You can follow the game live on NFL.com's Game Center.
Social Media:
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Television:
The game will be televised on FOX. Click here to see if the game all air in your area.
