49ers Upset Defending Champion Eagles in Thrilling Wild Card Victory
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — In a stunning playoff upset, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles 23-19 at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The victory sends the 49ers into the next round of the NFL playoffs, where they will face their NFC West rivals, the Seattle Seahawks.
Christian McCaffrey was the star of the game, scoring two crucial touchdowns that helped the 49ers overcome the home crowd advantage. Quarterback Brock Purdy orchestrated a pivotal 10-play, 66-yard drive late in the fourth quarter, culminating in McCaffrey’s second touchdown on a third-and-goal play. Although the extra point was missed by kicker Eddy Pineiro, the 49ers took a 23-19 lead that they would not relinquish.
Earlier in the fourth quarter, a trick play masterminded by head coach Kyle Shanahan showcased the 49ers’ creativity and execution. Purdy flipped the ball back to wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who then launched a precise pass to McCaffrey for a touchdown, further cementing San Francisco’s control of the game.
The Eagles, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, fought valiantly but fell short in the closing moments. With less than a minute remaining and trailing by four points, Hurts faced a critical third-and-11. His pass intended for DeVonta Smith fell incomplete, forcing a fourth down. On the next play, Hurts targeted tight end Dallas Goedert, who had scored both of Philadelphia’s touchdowns earlier in the game. However, 49ers linebacker Eric Kendricks anticipated the route perfectly, jumping the pass and knocking it away with 43 seconds left, sealing the upset.
The Eagles’ season ends abruptly, a surprising conclusion for the defending champions. The loss highlights the competitive parity in the NFL and the difficulty of repeating as Super Bowl champions. The 49ers, meanwhile, continue their playoff run with renewed confidence.
For more on the NFL playoffs and team standings, visit the NFL’s official site. To explore detailed statistics and player performances, the ESPN NFL section provides comprehensive coverage.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the 49ers prepare to face the top-seeded Seattle Seahawks, who earned a first-round bye this postseason. The Seahawks’ strong regular-season performance secured their position as the NFC’s No. 1 seed, setting the stage for a highly anticipated divisional matchup.
In the broader context of NFL history, this game serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of playoff football, where momentum and timely plays often determine the outcome. The 49ers’ balanced attack and opportunistic defense demonstrated the qualities necessary to advance deep into the postseason.
For official playoff schedules and updates, the NFL Players Association offers resources and player perspectives throughout the playoffs.
As the 49ers celebrate this hard-fought victory, the Eagles regroup and reflect on a season that began with championship aspirations but ended sooner than expected. The NFL community now turns its attention to the next round, where every game carries the weight of a potential championship dream.
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