The most highly anticipated San Francisco 49ers game of the 2023 season is finally here, with the Niners set to face the Philadelphia Eagles in a rematch of last season's NFC Championship Game.

San Francisco's hard luck story in that contest has been extremely well-documented, the 49ers' demise essentially sealed when Brock Purdy went down with an elbow injury on their first offensive series.

The 49ers have waited 10 months for the chance to write that wrong, and there is plenty of belief they can do so.

San Francisco 49ers (8-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (10-1)
Date: Sunday, December 3
Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Location: Lincoln Financial Field/Philadelphia, PA
Betting odds: 49ers -3, Over/Under 47
How to watch on TV: Fox
Streaming: FuboTV, YouTube TV, Network apps, etc.
Radio: KNBR 680 AM / 104.5 FM, 107.7 FM “The Bone" / SacTown Sports 1140AM

Will Purdy rise to the challenge?

Purdy never had the chance last year to prove he can come through arguably the biggest test in the NFL right now, winning on the road in Philadelphia.

Having shook off a his turnover-strewn stretch in which he threw five interceptions over the course of three successive defeats, Purdy is once again playing outstanding football, leading the league in completion percentage, every yards per attempt metric, passer rating, Expected Points Added per play and DVOA.

He still has a substantial amount of doubters, but a performance in which he steers the Niners to victory in Philadelphia may be what finally silences them.

Could weather play a role?

The Eagles managed to win a thriller with the Bills last week despite playing in torrential rain.

With inclement weather in the air in Philadelphia again this week, the 49ers may have to combat similar conditions if they are to move within one game of the Eagles in the race for the one seed.

Purdy struggled when rain hit during the Niners' Week 6 loss to the Cleveland Browns, and the 49ers obviously can't afford its offense to lose its rhythm if it gets wet and wild at the Linc.

3 Players to watch

• WR Deebo Samuel: Samuel refused to back down from his assessment of Eagles cornerback James Bradberry, whom he called "trash" in the days after the title game. The versatile wideout was emphatic in his assessment that the 49ers would have won the title game with Purdy healthy, and there will be a huge onus on him to produce a performance that helps the Niners back up his assertions.
• RB Christian McCaffrey: McCaffrey can become only the third player in NFL history with 50 rushing touchdowns and 25 receiving scores with a rushing touchdown in Week 13. Beyond that shot at history, McCaffrey once again has crucial role to play in partnership with Samuel in manipulating a vulnerable Eagles linebacking group with their relentless motion. Kyle Shanahan will hope to put the Eagles linebackers in hell, and it is McCaffrey and Samuel who will be the keys to doing that.
• S Ji'Ayir Brown: Brown was impressive in his first start on Thanksgiving, drawing plaudits from defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who praised Brown's communication. That will be paramount against an Eagles offense that puts a lot of stress on safeties with its diverse run game with quarterbck Jalen Hurts a central threat. The 49ers believe they have a long-term starter in Brown, and their confidence in that belief will increase exponentially if he excels against Philadelphia.

More 49ers news ahead of the game

• 49ers elevate two players from practice squad for Eagles game
• 49ers' resurgent defense gets another chance to solve Eagles riddle

Why are the 49ers favored over the Eagles?

It makes more sense than you think.