Eagles-49ers scouting report

PICK: EAGLES

Special teams

Eagles: PR DeSean Jackson, who returned a punt 68 yards for a TD last week, should get some more home-run opportunities vs. a punt-coverage unit that is ranked 27th in the league. Eagles need to tighten up their 29th-ranked kickoff coverage vs. Allen Rossum.

Niners: The Niners, who are allowing a hefty 12.9 yards per punt return, face a major challenge in the Eagles' dangerous DeSean Jackson. P Andy Lee has only had seven of his 18 punts returned. Return man Allen Rossum is first in the NFC in kickoff returns (28.9).

PICK: EAGLES

Hot and not

HOT:

Eagles: WR Reggie Brown. Has 10 catches for 163 yards in the last two games.

Niners: RB Frank Gore. Leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage. Is averaging 5.6 yards per touch.

NOT:

Eagles: WR Hank Baskett. Has one catch for 10 yards in the last two games after a career-high eight receptions vs. Steelers.

Niners: QB J.T. O'Sullivan. Has thrown five interceptions and has a 49.2 completion percentage in the last two games.

Key matchups

1. Eagles LBs Stewart Bradley, Omar Gaither and Chris Gocong vs. Niners RB Frank Gore: Gore leads the NFL in rushing and receiving yards. Advantage: Niners

2. Eagles LT Tra Thomas vs. Niners RE/OLB Justin Smith: Smith has three sacks, but Thomas still is one of the league's best LTs. Advantage: Eagles

3. Eagles WR DeSean Jackson vs. Niners CB Nate Clements: Clements is one of the league's top cover men, but can he deal with Jackson's 4.3 speed? Advantage: Eagles

Domowitch's prediction

Eagles 27, Niners 20