Eagles-49ers predictions

Paul Domowitch: A muddy track at the Linc could make a difference Sunday, but I doubt it.

The absence of nine-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters will make a little bit of a difference, but not enough of one.

Same with the loss of middle linebacker Jordan Hicks.

What I expect to see is Fletcher Cox and the rest of the Eagles' front four spending a lot of time getting acquainted with C.J. Beathard.

What I expect to see is another big day from Carson Wentz, and LeGarrette Blount and Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement rushing for about 150 yards against a defense that gave up 265 to Ezekiel Elliott and the Cowboys last week.

What I expect to see is the Eagles winning this one easily.

Prediction: Eagles 38, 49ers 17

Les Bowen: I am not a fan of two-touchdown point spreads in the NFL. I guess such excess is inevitable when a 6-1 team takes on an 0-7 team. But I would be hesitant to bet this; five of San Francisco's seven losses have come by three points or less.

That said, I'm not feeling rookie quarterback C.J. Beathard against the Eagles' front seven, even without Jordan Hicks. It's true that the middle of the field was wide open after Hicks went down Monday night, but Jim Schwartz is a smart man and I don't think we'll see it look that way for Beathard.

This game juxtaposes the No. 1 rushing defense with the No.29 rushing defense — meaning Beathard should be forced into a lot more obvious passing situations than Carson Wentz. That could also take a little pressure off Halapoulivaati Vaitai at left tackle.

Prediction: Eagles 27, 49ers 13

Jeff McLane: The 0-7 49ers are not a good team right now and one of their biggest problems resides at quarterback. Veteran Brian Hoyer won the job to start the season, but he was benched in favor of rookie C.J. Beathard, who hasn't exactly earned the spot. Pierre Garcon is a solid No. 1 receiver and Carlos Hyde is an effective runner, but the offense has been mostly stagnant. The 49ers are last in the league in time of possession and 25^th in points. The defense hasn't been much better. Middle linebacker Rueben Foster looks like a stud, but San Fran has had a hard time getting off the field and ranks last on third down. That can't bode well against an Eagles offense that is first on third down. Could Doug Pederson's unit overlook a 13-point underdog at home? Possibly. But the Eagles appeared to have gotten any bad football from their layoff out of the way in the first half of the Redskins game. Carson Wentz is playing too well and the pass rush/run defense have been too stout for there to be a stinker. If there's a perfect first game to be without Jason Peters and Jordan Hicks, this is it.

Prediction: Eagles 33, 49ers 20

Zach Berman: This is a good week for the Eagles to figure out their offensive line and linebacking situations after key injuries, because they have a decided talent advantage over San Francisco. You never say never in the NFL, but the Eagles shouldn't at home to C.J. Beathard and the winless 49ers. The offense will move the ball with ease and the interior pass rush will make it a long day for Beathard. It's supposed to be rainy and windy, so this could be a sloppy game. Alshon Jeffery has a good matchup if the weather doesn't affect their passing game. On defense, the key will be to limit San Francisco's running backs out of the backfield. I think the Eagles will be ready for the 49ers and will move to 7-1. (But the point spread would scare me if betting on the game.)

Prediction: Eagles 31, 49ers 20

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