Philadelphia Eagles' Doug Pederson, center left, shakes hands with Atlanta Falcons' Dan Quinn after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 24-15. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

By Aaron Kasinitz | akasinitz@pennlive.com

Don't Edit

Depending on whom you ask, this Philadelphia Eagles season has been spectacular or star-crossed.

So many things went right for the Birds as they compiled a 13-3 record, clinched the NFC’s No. 1 seed and entered the playoffs for the first time in four years. But quarterback Carson Wentz’s torn ACL left a once-promising postseason outlook tainted as Philly approaches Saturday’s divisional round game against the defending conference champion Falcons.

The contest against No. 6-seeded Atlanta might wind up defining this campaign for the Eagles. It could sort out whether the year is special or spoiled.

And below, we’ve compiled some matchups, storylines and history to know as the game inches closer:

Don't Edit

Eagles are rare home underdogs

Don't Edit

The Falcons opened the week as three-point favorites over the Eagles, according to BookMaker.eu, and if line that holds, the Eagles will be the first No. 1 seed to face a No. 6 seed as an underdog since points spread became commonly distributed in 1985.

Wentz’s injury plays a large role in that. Veteran backup Nick Foles has struggled playing in place of the Eagles’ MVP candidate over his past two games, completing 23 of 49 passes with one touchdown and two interceptions over that span.

The Falcons, meanwhile, won six of their final eight regular-season games and looked impressive in a 26-13 win over the Rams on wildcard weekend. With 2016 NFL MVP Matt Ryan quarterbacking its offense, Atlanta will head to Philadelphia with momentum.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Matchup to watch when Eagles have the ball: Eagles OT Lane Johnson vs. Falcons OLB Vic Beasley

Don't Edit

AP Photo/Chris Szagola

Don't Edit

Beasley had both of the Falcons’ sacks — plus a forced fumble — when the team lost to the Eagles last season, and he brought Rams quarterback Jared Goff down once Saturday. Though Beasley hasn’t been as dominant in 2017 as he was last season, he still has the ability to put pressure on Foles and attack a quarterback who lacks elite mobility.

The problem for Beasley is that he typically rushes toward the opponent’s right tackle, which would match him up Saturday against Johnson, an all-pro. Johnson’s been terrific in pass-protection situations all year, and he’ll face another stiff test to open the postseason. If he can handle Beasley, perhaps Foles will have the time to settle into a rhythm.

Don't Edit

Matchup to watch when Falcons have the ball: Falcons WR Julio Jones vs. Eagles cornerbacks

Don't Edit

Jones has been one of the NFL’s best pass catchers for several years. He racked up 135 receiving yards in last season’s Eagles-Falcons contest and pulled down nine receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown to help Atlanta get past Los Angeles in the wildcard round.

If anybody can break Saturday’s game open, it’s Jones.

So the Eagles will surely pay close attention to the 6-foot-3, 220-pound receiver, but it’s unclear who’ll cover him most often. While the Eagles have two young starting outside cornerbacks capable of taking on the challenge in Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills, neither can match Jones’ size.

Perhaps Philadelphia will keep its corners on specific sides of the field (Mills has been playing at left cornerback in recent weeks with Darby on the right), and they’ll both get a shot at Jones. However it works out, the Birds will aim to find some method of keeping Jones in check.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Keys for the Eagles: Force turnovers, establish the run

Don't Edit

AP Photo/Michael Perez

Don't Edit

Without Wentz in the fold, it seems unlikely the Eagles’ offense will pile up points on the strength of an explosive passing attack Saturday. But if Philadelphia can find steady success on the ground behind Jay Ajayi and LeGarrette Blount to take pressure off Foles, keep Atlanta’s offense on the sideline and piece together a few scoring drives, it’ll be in good shape.

Also, takeaways have emerged as a significant piece of the Eagles’ surge to the top of the NFC. They’re 10-0 when they win the turnover battle and 1-3 when they lose it this season. Philly can negate its deficiency at quarterback by swiping the ball from Atlanta a few times.

Don't Edit

Key for the Falcons: Protect Matt Ryan, avoid special teams mishaps

Don't Edit

These new-look Eagles have one clear strength now that Wentz is on crutches: a talented, disruptive and deep defensive line. The Falcons will try to keep Ryan comfortable in the pocket, and if they do, it’s hard to envision Philadelphia gaining a major advantage in any aspect of the game.

Even if the Eagles’ offense is lackluster and the defense isn’t making game-altering plays, though, they could turn to their special teams for a boost. Atlanta will need to stay sharp to contain a Philly unit that blocked a field goal, extra-point attempt and punt against the Giants a couple weeks back.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

The last time these teams met

Don't Edit

AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Don't Edit

The Eagles beat the Falcons, 24-15, last season at Lincoln Financial Field on Nov. 13, 2016. Philadelphia rolled up a season-best 208 rushing yards that day and stymied Atlanta’s high-powered offense, but after the game, the teams surged in opposite directions: The Falcons made a run to the Super Bowl, while the Eagles lost five straight games and missed the playoffs.

Don't Edit

The last time they met in the postseason

Don't Edit

The Michael Vick-era Falcons met the Donovan McNabb-era Eagles in the postseason twice in the early 2000s and lost both times. Philly earned a 20-6 win in the divisional round of the 2002 playoffs, and the Eagles then won, 27-10, in the NFC Championship Game two years later to get into the Super Bowl.

Saturday, the Eagles will try to make it three straight playoff wins over their NFC South foes.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit