Philadelphia Eagles legend Jason Kelce weighed in on one of the most intriguing NFL Wild Card games of the young 2026 postseason, offering a clear prediction while acknowledging the strength of the San Francisco 49ers.
With the Eagles‘ Wild Card matchup against San Francisco drawing playoff excitement, Kelce made it plain where his confidence lies, and why this game is more than a simple first-round test.
Speaking ahead of the Eagles–49ers Wild Card game at Lincoln Financial Field, Kelce didn’t shy away from respect for San Francisco‘s roster, saying, “San Fran is a great team.”
Still, he made his expectations for the game unequivocal: the Eagles have what it takes to win.
“I think we’re going to play actions off it. I think we’re going to run Jalen Hurts, which is an advantage. That’s a major advantage for us,” he said on SportsRadio 94 WIP.
Kelce‘s endorsement carries weight in Philadelphia, where he remains one of the most respected voices on the franchise’s recent success.
After retiring following the 2023 season, he’s watched the team he helped build maintain a championship-caliber identity, most notably by capturing Super Bowl LIX in the 2024 season.
Despite his confidence, Kelce hasn’t glossed over the challenges ahead. The 49ers, perennial contenders in the NFC, are widely viewed as one of the deeper, more veteran clubs in the conference.
Their defense and balanced offensive attack have made them a thorn in opponents game plans, and analysts see this Wild Card duel as a measuring stick for both squads’ Super Bowl aspirations.
Why this matchup carries weight
Kelce‘s remarks arrive at a moment when both teams are evaluating not just talent but strategy.
The Eagles enter the postseason with high expectations and the inherent pressure that comes with defending a Super Bowl crown.
While Kelce believes in his former club’s chances, “I think they will win,” he has stated plainly, many around the league see the matchup as a defining early playoff contest.
Philadelphia‘s defense and offensive balance have drawn particular praise this season, with analysts noting that shutting down key playmakers like Christian McCaffrey and forcing third-down situations could be decisive.
Observers in both cities expect the trenches to be a focal point, and Kelce‘s experience in the heart of the Eagles‘ offensive line gives him a unique lens through which to assess that battle.
This isn’t the first time Kelce has stirred conversation around the postseason structure itself.
He’s been outspoken about the NFL‘s expanded playoff format and how he believes it’s changed the competitive landscape, especially compared with the older six-team structure that rewarded more teams with a bye.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, whose team fought through injuries and a challenging regular-season finish, will lean on his coaching staff and roster depth to navigate this Wild Card test.
Philadelphia‘s ability to execute in high-leverage moments, much like it did during its Super Bowl run, will be under the microscope against San Francisco‘s tenacious defense.
Read the full article here
