Sunday, January 11, 2026 — NFC Wild Card Round
PHILADELPHIA — In a dramatic playoff opener at Lincoln Financial Field, the San Francisco 49ers upset the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, 23–19, to advance to the NFC Divisional Round and end Philadelphia’s title-defense hopes.
The No. 6-seed 49ers rode a combination of timely offense and resilient defense to knock off the No. 3-seed Eagles in front of a passionate home crowd. San Francisco’s victory marked a stunning postseason turning point, as they overcame adversity throughout the game and seized control in the fourth quarter.
San Francisco Takes Early Lead
San Francisco struck first on its opening possession, with quarterback Brock Purdy connecting on a big early play to set up running back Demarcus Robinson’s 2-yard touchdown reception. That score put the visitors ahead 7–0 and set the tone for a competitive contest.
The Eagles answered quickly. Philadelphia responded on its next drive when tight end Dallas Goedert scored on a 1-yard end-around, narrowing the gap and energizing the home crowd. However, the extra point was missed, keeping the score close.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense continued to find traction, with Hurts finding Goedert again for a 9-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter that gave Philadelphia a 13–7 lead.
Momentum Swings and Key Injuries
The game’s intensity increased in the second quarter when 49ers star tight end George Kittle suffered a serious Achilles injury and was carted off the field, a significant blow to San Francisco’s offensive plans. Despite the setback, the 49ers remained composed and answered with a 36-yard field goal by Eddy Piñeiro before halftime, trimming Philadelphia’s advantage.
Philadelphia was also effective with its kicking game, adding a 41-yard field goal early in the second half to extend its lead. But neither side could gain decisive control in a tightly contested third quarter, as both defenses forced punts and limited big plays.
Fourth Quarter Drama
The final quarter provided the turning point. San Francisco orchestrated a key drive late in the game, capped by a 4-yard touchdown pass from Purdy to Christian McCaffrey, putting the 49ers ahead 23–19 with just under three minutes remaining. San Francisco’s defense then stiffened, preventing Philadelphia from converting on its next possession.
The Eagles managed a 33-yard field goal earlier in the quarter to keep the game within reach, but were ultimately unable to regain the lead. Philadelphia’s final drive stalled before the red zone, sealing the upset on a day where execution in critical moments defined the outcome.
Standout Performances
Purdy finished with 262 passing yards and two touchdown passes, including the decisive fourth-quarter score, despite being under pressure at times throughout the game. Christian McCaffrey provided balance on offense, contributing both as a receiver and runner in key moments.
For Philadelphia, Hurts threw for 168 yards and a touchdown, but the Eagles’ offense struggled to sustain big gains late. Dallas Goedert was a bright spot with multiple receptions and two scores, though the unit fell short when it mattered most.
What It Means
San Francisco’s 23–19 victory sends the 49ers on the road to the NFC Divisional Round, where they will face a higher-seeded opponent after a statement win on Wild Card Weekend. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ season ends abruptly in the first round, a disappointing finish for a team that entered the postseason as reigning champions.
The 49ers’ road triumph on Sunday underscored the unpredictability of playoff football, where momentum shifts and clutch execution often define outcomes.