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 Birds will enter as one of the NFL’s healthiest teams, and expect to have star right tackle Lane Johnson back at practice back in the lineup.
With kickoff fast approaching, we’re looking at seven under-the-radar players for Philadelphia who could shine in the wild-card matchup.
Punter Braden Mann
Two weeks ago, in awful weather against the Bills, Eagles punter Braden Mann had 5 punts with an average of 55.0 yards. He got off a 50-yarder in a backup situation, taking one step, and will again see difficult weather.
RB Tank Bigsby
“I hope to see a pretty decent usage of Tank at this point,” Kelce said on the 94WIP Morning Show this week. Even while averaging 5.9 yards per carry, Bigbsy has been limited to 58 carries this season, logging 16 of those attempts in the team’s Week 18 loss to the Washington Commanders. Bigsby logged 17 touches in their Week 15 win over the Raiders and should feast on a battered 49ers defense.
K Jake Elliott
Jake Elliott has been great in his postseason career, making 26 of 27 field goals. After a rough 2025 season, the weather could allow Elliott the opportunity to shine.
WR Britain Covey
Covey has big game experience as a punt returner and could dictate field position on Sunday.
WR Jahan Dotson
Last season in the postseason, Dotson’s snap count rose to 58 percent of the offensive reps, and he made big plays. Dotson improved with time and had his most impactful game of the season during the Eagles’ win over Kansas City in Super Bowl LIX, with two catches for 42 yards on three targets.
OLB Jalyx Hunt
Hunt became the first Eagle to lead the team in both sacks (6.5) and INTs (3) in the same season. He is also the second Eagle to have 6.0+ sacks and 3.0+ INTs in a season, joining Seth Joyner (1991 and 1992). Over the last 10 years, four NFL players have produced 50+ pressures, 4+ takeaways, and 1+ defensive TD in a season – Hunt, T.J. Watt (2023), Calais Campbell (2016), and Khalil Mack (2016).
CB Adoree Jackson
Jackson is slated to suit up for his first playoff game since the 2022 season and just his ninth total. Jackson has improved as the season has gone on, and with Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean earning All-Pro honors, Jackson will get all of Brock Purdy’s attention.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles vs. 49ers: 7 under-the-radar players who could shine
