Fans arrive early and express confidence as playoff game day begins at the Linc

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Playoff energy filled the air outside Lincoln Financial Field as fans streamed into the parking lots Sunday morning.

Although tailgating areas were scheduled to open at 9:30 a.m., many people showed up hours earlier, some arriving as early as 6 a.m.

Those who secured early spots said they were feeling upbeat about the team's chances.

"Feeling great, if there's any time for the offense to shine, it's against a depleted defense. So figure it out and let's keep rolling," said Jonathan Cairone of South Philadelphia.

Penny Bivens of Roxborough shared similar optimism. "I'm feeling good! We're gonna win and then we're gonna ride down to Chicago and take that one too," she said.

Others pointed to both sides of the ball as reasons for confidence.

"Oh big win, no doubt about it," said Jim Shields of Bridgeport. "Our defense is gonna shut them down and our offense I think will finally step up and play two halves."

Allen Willis of Deptford echoed that sentiment, "I feel good. I think our defense is gonna show up, I think Jalen and the offense are gonna score some points."

Some fans even predicted the final score.

"I think we're great. We're gonna win about 27-7," said Gary Elwell of Egg Harbor Township. "The 49ers are banged up, they don't stand a chance today."

Looking ahead, fans said they hope to return to the stadium in the coming weeks, though the path to the NFC Championship remains uncertain.

"If we win and we beat Chicago next week, and Seattle loses, we're back for one more," Elwell said. "Otherwise this is the last one for the season."

As kickoff approached, the early crowd continued to grow, carrying with it the hopeful buzz of playoff football.