Updated Jan. 11, 2026, 12:46 p.m. ET
The Eagles (11-6), NFC East Champion, return to the NFL playoffs as the No. 3 seed in the conference and will face the rival 49ers (12-5) at Lincoln Financial Field in what should be a high-energy, high-scoring affair.
The Eagles have the best record in the NFL, including playoffs, since the start of 2022 (56-20), and they are must-see television. With Philadelphia getting the late Sunday afternoon time slot, the NFL on FOX broadcast team will be in attendance.
With the kickoff fast approaching, we’re looking at six under-the-radar 49ers to watch.
WR Jauan Jennings
Jennings was the 49ers’ second-leading receiver behind Christian McCaffrey, catching 55 passes for 643 yards and nine touchdowns. Jennings enters the playoffs on a hot streak, hauled in six touchdown passes in his last six games combined, and his nine scores are tied for eighth in the league this season.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.OL Austen Pleasants
Trent Williams is expected to play, but if the all-world left tackle can’t go or is forced to exit, all eyes will shift to Austen Pleasants. Since entering the NFL as an undrafted rookie in 2020, he’s been on seven teams’ practice squads, and he’s played the most snaps in his career this season.
WR Kendrick Bourne
Bourne failed to catch his only target in last Saturday’s 13-3 loss to the Seahawks. Bourne recorded 142 receiving yards in Weeks 5 and 6, though he hasn’t accumulated more than 50 yards in any of his other regular-season games. If Ricky Pearsall can’t play, Bourne could be in line for more touches.
DeMarcus Robinson
Robinson had three receptions on four targets for 24 yards in last Saturday’s 13-3 loss to the Seahawks. He’d be in line for more snaps if Ricky Pearsall doesn’t play.
LB Luke Gifford
Gifford (quadriceps) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s wild-card game against the Eagles, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports. Gifford and Dee Winters (ankle) both suffered injuries in Week 18 against the Seahawks, leaving each of San Francisco’s starting outside linebackers questionable for Sunday’s playoff matchup. Eric Kendricks, Curtis Robinson, and Garret Wallow would be in line to start.
LB Garret Wallow
Recently acquired by the Broncos after being waived, Wallow has mainly contributed as a special teams player during his five-year NFL career. He has appeared in 42 games, recording 36 tackles, 1.0 sack, and 11 special teams tackles across stints with the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, and Denver Broncos. His most recent performance was this season in Denver, where he played in seven games and made five special teams tackles before being waived on December 6.
DB Upton Stout
A former outside cornerback who has developed nicely at the Nickel position, the former Western Kentucky star finished the 2025 regular season with 82 tackles (43 solo), 1.0 sacks, and one forced fumble in 16 games. Stout was selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft and was inserted as the 49ers’ starting slot corner from Day 1. He’s had struggles in coverage, and his inside matchups with A.J. Brown, Jahan Dotson, and DeVonta Smith will be key.
DB Ji’Ayir Brown
A versatile defender, Brown had 76 tackles (44 solo), two interceptions, and one forced fumble in 17 regular-season starts with the 49ers in 2025.