If you turned off the TV before the fourth quarter started, you missed the absolute collapse of a dynasty. Honestly, the way the Philadelphia Eagles went out on Sunday night felt less like a graceful exit and more like a messy breakup in a crowded restaurant. The San Francisco 49ers walked into Lincoln Financial Field and didn't just win; they essentially took the keys to the NFC and drove off with them.
The final score was 23-19.
But that four-point gap doesn't even begin to describe the sheer chaos that unfolded in the final fifteen minutes. We’re talking about the defending Super Bowl champions getting bounced in the Wild Card round on their own grass. It’s the kind of loss that's going to keep Philly fans awake until August.
Who won the game Sunday night? The 49ers found their revenge
The "who won the game Sunday night" question isn't just about a box score; it’s about a massive power shift in the NFL. Brock Purdy, the guy everyone loves to call a "system quarterback," looked more like a surgeon in the closing minutes. He finished the night with 262 yards and two touchdowns, but his biggest play wasn't even a pass he threw.
It was a trick play.
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Early in the fourth quarter, Jauan Jennings—a wide receiver, mind you—took a pitch and lofted a 29-yard "prayer" toward Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey tracked that thing through the Philadelphia wind like a hawk, hauling it in for a touchdown that put the Niners up 17-16. It was a gutsy, almost arrogant call from Kyle Shanahan, and it worked perfectly.
Philadelphia didn't go quietly, though. Jake Elliott, who is basically a robot at this point, nailed a 33-yard field goal to put the Eagles back up 19-17 with about eight minutes left. But the air felt thin. The Eagles' offense, led by Jalen Hurts, was struggling to breathe. They only managed 168 passing yards all night. That is not how you win playoff games in 2026.
The McCaffrey Factor and the Eagles' Meltdown
The 49ers secured their victory late in the fourth when Purdy found McCaffrey again for a 4-yard score. It was simple. It was brutal. It was effective. McCaffrey ended the night with 114 total yards and two touchdowns, proving once again why he's the most dangerous weapon in football.
Meanwhile, the Eagles were busy fighting themselves.
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If you were watching the sidelines, you saw the explosion. A.J. Brown and head coach Nick Sirianni had a heated confrontation that had to be broken up by security chief Dom DiSandro. Brown actually ripped his helmet off in frustration. It was ugly. When your star receiver is screaming at the coach while the season is on the line, you know the wheels haven't just come off—they've rolled into the Delaware River.
Other Sunday Night Winners
While the NFL game was the main event, it wasn't the only thing happening.
- NBA: The Atlanta Hawks stunned the Golden State Warriors 124-111 behind 24 points from Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
- NHL: The Nashville Predators edged out the Washington Capitals 3-2. Roman Josi was the hero there with a goal and two assists.
- NFL (Earlier): The New England Patriots absolutely dismantled the Chargers 16-3, and the Buffalo Bills survived a 27-24 thriller against Jacksonville.
Why this loss changes everything for Philly
The Eagles had issues all year. They were winning, sure, but they weren't winning. The offense felt stagnant under coordinator Kevin Patullo, and the defense was prone to "crumbling" in high-pressure moments. Quinyon Mitchell had a legendary individual performance with two interceptions, but the Eagles' offense only turned those into three points. You can't waste gifts like that in January.
Losing Lane Johnson to injury before the game was a massive blow, and seeing George Kittle get carted off for the 49ers with a suspected Achilles tear was a reminder of how high the cost of these games can be.
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If you're an Eagles fan, the "who won the game Sunday night" result is a bitter pill. Your team won the Super Bowl last year, but this year, they looked like they forgot how to finish. The 49ers, meanwhile, are heading to Seattle for the Divisional Round with a massive chip on their shoulder and a whole lot of momentum.
If you’re tracking the brackets, keep an eye on that 49ers vs. Seahawks matchup on Saturday, January 17th. It’s going to be a bloodbath. For the Eagles, the offseason starts now, and honestly, it looks like it’s going to be a very long, very loud one in the front office.
Check the updated playoff schedule and make sure your DVR is set for the Divisional Round next weekend; the path to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is getting narrower by the second.