Eagles (2-3) vs. 49ers (2-3)

It’s now or never for the Philadelphia Eagles, who have lost two straight games and sit in last place of the NFC East.

Look no further than the second half of the past two losses, to Chicago and Washington. Philly has totaled only nine second-half points in those games. The Eagles have scored 38 points in the second halves of their first five games, compared to 89 points before halftime. Yet they are 4.5-point betting favorites on WagerWeb.com for Sunday’s game at San Francisco.

The Niners also have dropped two straight and were held to a season-low 199 total yards and outscored 23-7 in the final three quarters of their 30-21 loss to New England last Sunday.

San Francisco committed three turnovers last week and has totaled 11 in three losses, compared to one in two wins. Five of J.T. O’Sullivan’s six interceptions have come in the past two games, and he has fallen back to earth after his quick start to the season. Defenses have been taking away O’Sullivan’s primary target, which has caused him to take off and scramble rather than move through his progressions. O’Sullivan also has shown a tendency to lock in on one receiver. He has completed less than half of his pass attempts in the past two games as well.

The Eagles entered last week with the No. 1 run defense in the NFL and the third-ranked defense overall. But the Redskins shredded that unit to the tune of 203 yards on the ground. And now comes Frank Gore, who leads the league with 603 yards from scrimmage. He is averaging 4.8 yards per carry (88 for 423 yards), has three rushing touchdowns, and has caught 19 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown. Expect the Eagles to throw a lot Sunday because they will be without star running back Brian Westbrook (ribs). He leads Philly with 194 yards rushing and has six touchdowns, two receiving. He should return on Oct. 26 after a bye week. Correll Buckhalter starts in his place.

Philly coach Andy Reid ruled two other offensive starters out for Sunday as well, guard Shawn Andrews (back) and wide receiver Reggie Brown (groin).

“Brian wants to go. He’s in the mind-set that he wants to play, but it’s a decision that I’ve got to make,” Reid said. “He’s a tough nut and I know that. I’ve got to do what I think is best for him and the football team down the road. It made the decision a little easier for me than it is for him. Obviously, he wants to contribute and compete.”

The Eagles have won three out of the previous four meetings, including the last one, in 2006.

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