Eagles Just Got a Gift for Playoff Matchup vs. Packers

The 2024 NFL regular season is officially in the books, meaning the Philadelphia Eagles can now focus on their march toward Super Bowl LIX.

After finishing atop the NFC East with a 14-3 record, the Eagles will open the postseason with Sunday's wild-card showdown against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field. The Packers are a legitimate playoff threat after going 11-6 and boast a ton of experience after reaching the Division Round or farther in four of the five previous postseasons.

Needless to say, the Packers won't go down without a fight this weekend. Although overcoming the visitors won't be easy, the Eagles' odds of winning just skyrocketed following the latest injury news out of Green Bay.

Eagles vs Packers Injury News: WR Christian Watson Reportedly Tears ACL

NFL insider Ian Rapoport has revealed that Packers wideout Christian Watson likely tore his ACL during Week 18's 24-22 loss to the Chicago Bears. Rapoport added that there's a possibility that Watson could miss the start of the 2025 campaign, effectively ruling him out of the current postseason.

"A frustrating reality for that talented pass-catcher," the insider added.

Watson suffered his non-contract injury while running a route during the second quarter. The former North Dakota State Bison couldn't stand on his own power and needed to be carted off the field, ruling him out of the remainder of the contest while putting his outlook in jeopardy.

Injuries have plagued Watson throughout his young NFL career, forcing him to miss 13 of a possible 51 games — including eight during the 2023 campaign. It looked like he had finally put those injuries behind him this season, tallying a career-high 620 receiving yards while also finding the end zone twice on 29 receptions in 15 games.

Although you never want to wish an injury on another player, the Packers are likely breathing a sigh of relief knowing that they won't have to guard Watson. The former 2022 second-rounder has big-play potential despite not seeing a ton of opportunities this season, proven by his personal-best 21.4 yards per reception.

It's also worth noting that the Packers barely play above-.500 football when Watson is absent, proven by their 7-6 record (53.8%) in the 13 games he's missed so far.

The Eagles will head into this weekend's playoff action looking to repeat their season-opening performance against the Packers. The NFC contenders clashed in Brazil back in Week 1, resulting in a 34-29 win for Philadelphia as it held Watson to 13 yards and a touchdown on three catches.

Fortunately, Sunday's outlook already looks promising. The Eagles are projected to advance to the Division Round as FanDuel Sportsbook lists them as the 4.5-point home favorites over the Packers to begin the week.

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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.