Upset Alert? Packers vs. Eagles: Why Green Bay Could Shock Philadelphia in the Playoffs

The echoes of Super Bowl LIX still reverberate through Lincoln Financial Field, but the NFL doesn’t wait for anyone. As the 2025 season approaches, the Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off their Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, are once again the team to beat in the NFC. However, a familiar foe lurks in the shadows, ready to challenge their reign: the Green Bay Packers. While the Eagles are heavily favored to make a deep playoff run, could the Packers pull off a stunning upset when it matters most?

A Tale of Two Seasons

The Eagles soared through the 2024 regular season, finishing with a 14-3 record and securing the NFC East title. Saquon Barkley, in his first year with the team, had a historic season, rushing for over 2,000 yards and earning Offensive Player of the Year honors. Jalen Hurts continued to evolve as a quarterback, and the defense, led by veterans like Darius Slay and young stars like Jalen Carter, proved to be formidable.

Meanwhile, the Packers experienced a more turbulent season. After a Week 1 loss to these very Eagles in Brazil, they found their footing, finishing with an 11-6 record and securing the final NFC Wild Card spot. Jordan Love, after a shaky start, found his rhythm, connecting with rookie receivers Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft. The Packers’ defense, under new coordinator Jeff Hafley, showed flashes of brilliance, becoming a turnover-forcing machine.

Playoff History: A Mixed Bag

The Eagles and Packers have a storied playoff history, with the Eagles holding a 3-1 advantage. Their matchups have been filled with memorable moments, from Chuck Bednarik’s game-saving tackle in the 1960 NFL Championship to Freddie Mitchell’s improbable 4th-and-26 conversion in the 2003 NFC Divisional Round. However, the Packers did win their most recent playoff encounter, a 21-16 victory in the 2010 Wild Card round that propelled them to a Super Bowl XLV title.

Why the Packers Could Cause an Upset

Despite the Eagles’ Super Bowl pedigree and home-field advantage, several factors suggest the Packers could be a dangerous opponent capable of pulling off an upset:

Jordan Love’s Ascent: After a season of growth, Jordan Love is playing with confidence and poise. He has developed a strong rapport with his young receiving corps, and his ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket makes him a difficult quarterback to defend. In their Wild Card matchup last season, the Eagles’ defense limited Love to 3-of-11 passing for 58 yards and three interceptions on passes of 10+ air yards (-14.6% CPOE). Love will need to improve on these numbers for the Packers to have a chance.
Packers’ Improved Defense: Under Jeff Hafley, the Packers’ defense has transformed into a unit that thrives on creating turnovers. They finished the regular season with 28 takeaways, and their pass rush, led by Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, has become increasingly disruptive.
Josh Jacobs’ Impact: The addition of Josh Jacobs in the offseason has given the Packers’ offense a new dimension. Jacobs is a powerful runner who can wear down defenses and control the clock. His presence will be crucial in keeping the Eagles’ high-powered offense off the field.
Eagles’ Defensive Vulnerabilities: While the Eagles’ defense is talented, it is not without its weaknesses. At times, they have struggled against mobile quarterbacks and have been susceptible to giving up big plays in the passing game.
The “Any Given Sunday” Factor: As the saying goes, anything can happen on any given Sunday in the NFL. The playoffs are a different beast, and momentum, coaching adjustments, and a few lucky bounces can often determine the outcome of a game.

Areas of Concern for Green Bay

Of course, the Packers face their own set of challenges heading into a potential playoff matchup against the Eagles:

Inexperience: The Packers are a young team, and many of their key players have limited playoff experience. The pressure of playing in a hostile environment like Lincoln Financial Field could be overwhelming.
Hurts’ Dual-Threat Ability: Jalen Hurts’ ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs poses a significant challenge for the Packers’ defense. They will need to contain him in the pocket and prevent him from making explosive runs.
Barkley’s Dominance: Saquon Barkley is a game-changer, and the Packers’ defense will need to find a way to slow him down. If they allow him to control the game on the ground, it will open up opportunities for Hurts and the Eagles’ passing attack.
Special Teams Gaffes: The Packers need to play a clean game in all three phases. Special teams mistakes, like the fumble on the opening kickoff in last year’s Wild Card game, can be momentum killers and can swing the outcome of a close contest.

The Verdict

While the Philadelphia Eagles are the favorites, the Green Bay Packers possess the talent and potential to make things interesting in a playoff showdown. If Jordan Love continues his upward trajectory, the Packers’ defense maintains its turnover-forcing ways, and they can control the clock with Josh Jacobs, an upset is not out of the question. However, they will need to overcome their inexperience, contain Jalen Hurts, and limit Saquon Barkley to pull off a shocker in Philadelphia.

The stage is set for a potentially thrilling encounter between two of the NFC’s top teams. Will the Eagles continue their Super Bowl defense, or will the Packers defy the odds and announce their arrival as a force to be reckoned with? Only time will tell.