>> you're watching "nbc 10 news playoff special" sponsored by santander. >> fans are already getting ready tailgating has begun in a big way. thanks for joining us. this is the nbc news playoff special. nbc 10 is your official station of the eagles and we're getting you ready for the game. the eagles are just one win away from making their super bowl dreams come true. we have you covered with every -- >> come on, yes, it will be done, for sure. >> thanks for being with us. >> we are live outside xfinity and the vehicles are on the move because the parking lot here at the wells fargo center just opened up. some of these vehicles had been here since around 4:00 or 5:00 this morning. it's hard to translate through the medium of tv but the level of excitement and energy is simply unbelievable. >> it's pumped up. people are already celebrating and getting ready for a big match-up. nbc 10 has team coverage to get you ready. >> nbc 10s randy gi ddy guillen- gyllenhaal, it is beyond measure, eight hours away. >> reporter: they just opened the tailgate lots earlier than people thought. they are moving in. the cars are moving. how are you feeling? >> we're going to win today, go eagles. >> reporter: all of the rvs and big trucks are moving into the tailgate lots. we talked to the first tailgator who got here at 3:00 a.m. he'll be partying until the game kicked off at 6:40. a lot of cool rvs to talk about. this is one of the coolest ones here. >> let's go! >> they actually have -- e-a-g-l-e-s. >> this dispenses bud light. are you having fun? >> yeah, baby! >> the tailgate lots are open. i want to talk to one of these fans real quick how they feel about this game. what's your name? bill eisenhower from fairmount. >> reporter: two of the best defenses in the league with two backup quarterbacks, it's going to be crazy. >> it's going to be real crazy but we're going to win. >> reporter: you have the underdog shirt. >> we are the underdogs, 21-6. that's my prediction. >> we're the underdogs but we're the home dogs, know what i'm saying? >> reporter: the underdogs have arrived. they've arrived here at the parking lot outside xfinity live. we'll take a tour of some of these awesome rvs. this is going to fill up. it just opened, getting wild already. >> going to be so great. >> there's been so much talk about this -- the underdog, not this dog in particular necessarily, but all dogs. you know why? going into last week's game against the falfalcons, the odd makers made the eagles underdogs and we know now that was a mistake. >> we'll embrace that. even though the eagles are the number one seed playing at home, the vikings are favored so we'll embrace the underdog. look, the masks are selling out like crazy. i bought this on my way in today. it's dog everywhere, it's okay, it's something philly embraces, bring it on, we're underdogs doesn't matter wooe'll get the b done. remember the underdog shirts, those have been selling like crazy. the shirts to swap out underdog for home dog, 10,000 shirts sold in just days. proceeds go to the school district of philadelphia johnson's choice. we would love to continue to see your underdog pictures. we've had some terrific ones being sent to us. we would love to see more of them. so many ways but however you do it, go to our app and see it, and share it and share your underdog pictures. i love the dogs all dressed up and people in their dog mask although somebody on instagram said you need to have a german help sherd, can't have anything fluffy. >> a dog is a dog is a dog. as long as it barkz. >> let's move along and talk about one place really busy today, a bakery, very popular bakery in manayunk. >> anything to make that party a big success tonight. >> reporter: they have their traditions, we all know the bakery is famous for these things right here, stuffed breads and they are baking them as fast as they can and people are coming from all over the city and burbs to get their hands on. jennifer and brian from mayfair, you're getting all set for the game. >> definitely, yes. >> reporter: what did you buy when you were here? >> tomato pie, pepperoni pizza -- >> reporter: i asked where's your eagles jersey but it's at home in the wash. >> yes. >> getting ready for the game. what do you want to say? >> go eagles! >> you drove from mayfair because it's a tradition. >> family tradition, we always come down for tomato pies, just awesome. >> reporter: they have special treats here, take a look, green cheesesteak stuffed breads and as we've heard from fans and people here at the bakery, they say the mood has been fabulous all season long and there's just a different feel when it comes to the seeing eagles this seaso. they have been busy all day and all night and plan to keep baking all the way to the super bowl. that's the latest live in manayu manayunk, nbc 10 news. >> that is the confidence we are -- ♪ >> reporter: got to teach them early. >> a live look at the linc, fans are already getting in. opened earlier than they thought they were going to to get into the parking lot. here's a really good tip. >> well, take a look at this. >> pushing, not sure how that works. >> by any means negs they get to the game. friends stepped in and they are pushing it into the wells fargo lot. one foot at a time. look at that. >> here's a really good tip, driving down the game you can use the waze app to navigate the parking lot. it will update with road closures and exit route information. if you don't have that app, download that, that will take care of you. >> the fans, can't stop talking about the fans, they are the biggest fans and eagles fan in the world but that's one person who's special. >> there is one personal, take a look. >> i'm barry the hatchet and i have been a die-hard crazy philadelphia eagles fan for 62 years. oh, my goodness, i'm old. that's how i got started being a philadelphia eagles fan. dad was a big eagles fan and a think i'm a little crazier. my lovely wife, i wonder if she would go along with an idea to eagle. with you 100%, let's do it. well, we did it and i think i did it pretty good. >> i don't know if you can get a look at this, a good shot of the toilet. to show my love and my pure passion love for the dallas -- stinking dallas cowboys fans, i had to -- it's a sweet sound. isn't that a sweet sound? room. number one you have to be an eagles fan. here's my bar of up to 35 seat long bar. hatchet's locker room in reading pennsylvania, there's not a feeling like it. the place is the bomb. >> let's just say that the eagles are driving and they are in the red zone. so the hatchet comes over here and give you a little bit of this. ♪ >> then we get into the touchdown, we score a touchdown and the hatchet is slowed -- and the place goes crazy. and i do sound effects. [ sirens ] ♪ fly eagles fly on the road to victory ♪ >> fan of the game sponsored by the pennsylvania lottery. benefitting older pennsylvanians every day. yeah, that is some man cave. >> that is his house, not someplace -- that's his home. >> that's terrific. nbc 10 is the place to be for tonight's big game, we'll have live reaction and exclusive interviews, it's coverage you'll only find on nbc 10, the official television station of the philadelphia eagles. >> what a place. >> the dislike for the cowboys that's terrific. >> playoff coverages in just a moment. we've more exciting things. stay with us. welcome back, nbc 10 news playoff special. live outside in philadelphia, we take you live to the parking lot where they were opened a lot earlier than a lot of people thought. and. >> we were expecting the lot to open a half hour from now. i don't think they probably anticipated so many people. >> so early. >> i mean it's not an exaggeration, people were lined up 4:30, 5:00 this morning. >> never underestimate an eagles fan. >> still coming behind us like a traffic jam outside the linc. one thing you won't have to do on this sunday is sneak and watch the game while sitting in church or listening to it. >> you do that? >> not me personally ut bu, but known to happen from time to time. >> they are welcoming, showing your eagles pride. matt is live at the dare to imagine church in mt. airy. tell us more about this. >> reporter: tracy and dray, if you're a person of faith and probably made an effort to go to church today and even if you're not a person of faith, it couldn't hurt to go today and say the extra prayer for the eagles to win tonight. at dare to imagine church it's more like a pep rally today at the services. take a look. ♪ >> eagles! >> reporter: church goers dressed up in jersey and some wearing hats and sign. they took the opportunity to say an extra prayer or two for our boys in green. >> what's so great about church, people love sports and they love to worship together. so instead of making it separate, we said, wear your jerry and let's have a good time and celebrate the eagles and also celebrate god. >> we're ready. we're ready for this one. >> so here they are about to start a second service in a couple of minutes from now. you see those folks with the eagles jerseys on and got the sign, yelling go birds. this is really a day to celebrate and push these guys and hope for a win tonight and then possibly a trip to the super bowl. wouldn't that be nice? so the party here just getting started live in east mt. airy, matt delucia, nbc 10 news. thanks, matt. giving a live look down broad street. there will be traffic changes because of so many people coming here to the linc. this is the kimmel center campus camera and you can see business as usual there but as we get closer to game time things will change. septa is offering passes for the broad street line for tonight's game. $4 crash. city hall station and also the waln walnut l wall loek walnut locust station. >> they always say when you're coming to a game, but today when we're seeing the traffic we're seeing and it's not even 11:30. that's the best thing to do. it takes up -- >> don't worry about all of that traffic. hop on to public transportation. one person on team that has sort of become the heart and soul of the eagles, part of the chamber, mallcom jenkins, d-back here in the city, he took time out of his schedule and preparing for this big game to talk to nbc sports philadelphia about the game and what this season has been about for him and the team. >> sunday sit-down, sponsored by wawa. >> our cameras have you miked up for the final play against the falcons and the camera caught you saying, you're going to make a play. what made you the confidence to know somebody would make a play on the defense? >> i know my guys. ryan is throwing it up in the air and incomplete! incomplete! >> there's no reason why we can't make those plays now, especially when you talk about the consequences of either making it or not making it is moving on or going home. i have all of the confidence in the world that somebody whoever number would be called they would make it. >> prior to the falcons game, you gave a passionate speech to your teammates in the auditorium. >> same field, same color grass, some football, some rules. the only thing that's different is the distraction around the game. >> how do you couple just another game with the magnitude of this particular game? >> you acknowledge the outside influence. you acknowledge that the crowd is going to be louder the stage is bigger and consequences are larger, you know, your season is done if you lose. and so themagnified on either s. but what happens on the four hours on the field is all the same. >> stay, do your job, play fast and loose. >> you made the final play against the falcons, was that stadium as loud as you've heard it since you've been here? >> it's the season. let's do it right here. let's go. it's the season right here. what's up! let's go! let's go! >> that whole game, that stadium was as loud as i've ever heard it. but you don't get any -- you couldn't write a script in a more dramatic than that to be down with our backs against the goal line, the season kind of in the balance and to come down to fourth and two and that's to get the stop. that was -- if a crowd is not going to be loud for that, they are not going to be loud for anything. >> congratulations, you recently became a dad for the second time. >> yep. >> as happy as a moment as that is because people are wondering, what would happen if you didn't have the child on sunday and got the call sunday prior to kickoff, but that's got to be a big relief to just get that out of the way and focus on the task at hand. >> there's no way my wife would not have this baby earlier in this week. one because she knows i'm not leaving the game. and two, she's not missing the game either. so you know, we fully anticipated having a baby early this week. everybody is back home now, so i'm back into my routine, back and preparing for this game. it's an exciting time for my family. not only for the new addition but the fact that we're getting ready to be an nfc championship. it's fun times right now. >> appreciate you. >> good luck to you, man. >> thank you. >> and congratulations to him. as we continue to show you a live look at the fans already gathered. they are loud already, wait until they get in the linc. we talked to an audioologist from penn who said the noise in the stadium will be of course louder than a lawnmower, not as loud as a jet engine. when you hear noise already with these fans, it could be as loud as a jet engine. >> matt ryan said last week he couldn't hear his plays because it was so loud. >> that's how we do. let's talk to krs t skrystle. >> this forecast way better for the players comfort and those tailgaters that you have been talking about. let's look at radar and satellite. it's a little different than just a few hours ago. those clouds are starting to spill in across the area. you're in at the time gray blanket overhead, that's going to stick the rest of today. you may think is the rain moving in with it but the answer is no, at least not for tailgating and game time. here's the tailgate weather forecast. we're coming up on the noontime hour. 50 degrees the temperature very mild. that's ten degrees warmer than average. winds are not going to be a problem either, last week it was just bitterly cold winds we were dealing with. this week 5 to 10 miles per hour kickoff. 48 will be the temperature at kickoff and because those winds so so light, we don't have to worry about the head wind impacting the teams quarter by quaur quart last saturday. by end of game around 45 to 44 and we're looking at those winds even weaker by end of game. we'll stay with cloudy conditions and mild for january forecast but do look at the hour by hour model. there's the 3:00 hour, the clouds increasing i was talking about. we will see a few sprinkles to the west by kickoff team but they'll stay north and west through game's end. it's in the overnight hours say if you're out celebrating past midnight you may run into a very light shower. >> even though it's going to warm up later today, not what it was last week, you still have to layer up. >> oh, yeah, i have a couple of layers on, all eagles shirts, i'm leaving nothing to chance. >> got my turtleneck and sweatshirt, trying to be brave but in actuality i'm shivering here. >> the excitement will be warming you up, don't you worry about that. >> this season has been all about dreams, a lot of dreams coming true for eagles fans who thought this day might not ever come. the beginning of the season there were doubts and doubts last week after wentz went down. here we are one win away from the super bowl. >> we have our big dreams for the super bowl but one fan already knows she's going to the big game, no matter what. courtesy of the philadelphia eagles keith jones has her story. >> if all started with a thread, pillows sewn by a mother for her 12-year-old son ryan fighting bone cancer. >> used to say there's nothing better than seeing your child smile because often times you don't see that in the hospital. >> reporter: cindy kerr kept sewing after her son last his battle. ryan's case for smiles has sewn 1.6 million pillows for kids. the eagles took notice. >> when i turned around, here comes pederson down the steps. >> the surprise behind the tree. >> because of all of your hard work, and your dedication and everything you've done and given two tickets to the super bowl. >> oh, my gosh. >> never in my wildest dreams -- i mean that's just something that everybody hopes for but no one thinks will ever happen. >> reporter: cindy was recently diagnosed with bone cancer herself and this mom keeps her head high. >> the eagles will be here. that's what i told doug. >> he said one game at a time. i told him think positive. i don't want to watch two other teams, i want to watch the eagles. >> think positively, that cindy is what started as a thread came from a heart and ends with a smile. >> they are very compassionate and what they do off the field what we do on the field. >> reporting some south philadelphia, keith jones, nbc 10 news. >> i think that's what's so awesome and special about the eagles team, the players and coach pederson, so involved in the community. they inspire so many people and stories like this that make us get behind them and hope they get this win. >> so true, we wish cindy all the best. a live look inside. let's show you inside, they just opened, if you don't have tickets to the game, this is the best place to watch it. nbc 10 has you covered as we get you ready for the nfc championship match-up. [ gasps, laughs ] you ever feel like... cliché foil characters scheming against a top insurer for no reason? nah. so, why don't we like flo? she has the name your price tool, and we want it. but why? why don't we actually do any work? why do you only own one suit? it's just the way it is, underdeveloped office character. you're right. thanks, bill. no, you're bill. i'm tom. you know what? no one cares. prescott steps up again and picked up by the eagles. took it in for a touchdown. >> you're watching nbc 10 news playoff special sponsored bys santander. >> this is a live look inside the wells fargo parking lot where fans are filing in for today's big game, we're seven hours away from the nfc championship game when the eagles take on vikings. >> live look inside the linc, 70,000 fans will pack the linc, gates open at 4:30. we're getting you ready. i'm tracy davidson. >> i'm dray clark. the heart and souls this team the fans, they are pumped up and ready to go, take gailgaters ha been out here since the wee hours. standing with the fans and rocking and rolling with them. >> we have you covered with everything happening across the city and region as we get ready for this game. and randy will start off our coverage. randy? >> reporter: hey, so the tailgate lot here is officially open. the party well under way. a lot of people got here super early. i got jeremy, right? you got the jaylen mills beard. >> i've been doing it almost two months now. i love it. >> reporter: what's the reaction of most people? >> oh, my god, you have a green beard. >> reporter: that's a good reaction. what are we cooking? >> pork putts and scrappling smoking on the smoker already and sausages and chicken as well. >> reporter: on the theme of hair and beards, i want to show you hair wizard, a mobile barber shop. they talk to eagles fans and convince them to come in the truck. this guy is getting his hair cut. what do we do on the side of your head. >> a big eagle. >> reporter: not done yet, halfway there. >> it's getting there. >> reporter: what's the art here? >> pretty much just understanding the hair to be honest. i've been doing designs about ten years so just an ongoing process, stilg learning right now. >> reporter: tell me about this game. how do you expect this to go? >> i think we're going to crush them. my prediction, 27-10 birds. >> 27-10 birds. second game in a row for nick foles, looks great. we'll head over to the lot over by citizens bank park. are you having a good time? >> yes, sir. >> reporter: we're going to head over that way and do facebook lives on both tv and facebook, we'll be back in a little bit by citizens bank dy gyllenhaal, n >> he's been finding best people. early this morning two guys waiting at the ticket counter thinking, dreaming that someone would say they have tickets available. they waited somehow -- they heard a rumor that tickets -- not when you look at prices they are being sold for at this minute. >> it was a bad rumor. there's certainly one out for you but you have positive pto p fortune. the best seats from t50 yard lie they are priced at more than $5500. that's a lot of cash. >> whoa. >> the cheaper seats in the upper level coming in at more than $500. if you got the cash to lose or you to spend, there you have it. >> if by some chance you got the tickets and don't usually come to a game, here's what you need to know. this is what you can bring in terms of your bags, only allowed a small clutch purse with clear tote bag or one gallon freezer bag. diaper bags not allowed.y diape well. it will be way too loud for small people i would think. >> one thing you can bring. >> we can mention that, everybody has a dog mask, i have mine. you have to take them off to get through security but they are going to let you have them. it's going to be a sea of dog masks. >> nbc 10.com and nbc 10 app has everything you need to know about tonight's game and also malcolm jenkins new daughter. let's get more on the big contest. it figures to be a very close one, one that could go right down to the wire. >> oh, yeah, nbc 10 sports philadelphia john clark has more on the keys to the game. >> sponsored by your tri-state toyota dealers. >> here are my three keys to the game. the eagles defense stopping the run. the vikings and eagles are 1-2 in the nfl in time of possession and they love to run the ball. but not as effective or productive running the ball on the road. they average 3.7 yards per carry away from their dome. if the eagles can make them one dimensional and shut down the run, then they pressure case kooenum not the same quarterback. >> stuck with the run against the falcons and won the time of possession battle and they had three different long drives, 12 plays and two with 14 plays, if you stick with the run that helps set up the run pass option which the eagles had a lot of success with against atlanta. key number three, quarterback limiting mistakes, i believe this game will be won on a mistake by one of the two backup quarterbacks in this game. the eagles and vikings 1-2 in time of possession. this is going to be a defensive battle, two best defenses in the nfl. it is imperative the quarterback play nick foles cannot make a mistake, the biggest tackle against everson griffin of t. nick foles can't make a mistake in aive battle. >> that was john clark talking about the defense. >> well, meanwhile here's another look inside the parking lot at wells fargo sentd ter, fans everywhere, unbelievable. >> it's great and so many people we talked to already here to tailgate, food is key. whether you're coming down to tailgate here or hosting a party or just watching with the family, what you're going to eat to watch the game is always key. let's go live to a popular bakery in manayunk. hey, deanna. >> hey there, the space here is so tight, i've been helping get orders out of the fridge. they are going to keep baking to keep up with demand. these are the orders placed for tomato pies and can't take any phone orders here if you placed an order, you better come and get it. there are a lot of fans. you can see they are up against the wall. you all ready for the game? >> go birds. >> little more excitement, guys, come on. they are preparing for at home parties and here's a list of what they are ordering. >> the cheese cake and spinnish and saur kraut. >> and green dough? >> yes. >> what do you want to say? >> go eagles. >> reporter: here's the green dough they are talking about. these are special stuffed breads here, green for eagles and they say they are going to keep baking because they are confident they are going to need even more food for super bowl sunday. nbc 10 news. quarterback comparison, sponsored by -- >> let's talk about the quarterbacks, this is a match-up we want to see. >> both qbs were not the team starting quarterbacks when the season began but both are facing off. let's look at the breakdown, how each qb fared in last week's wins. now, you see vikings quarterback case keenum on the left, he threw for more yards but nick foles completed a higher percentage of his attempts, did not throw an interception and had a higher quarterback rating. the play of these two men will play a huge role in today's game. we talked about the quarterbacks a moment ago john clark talking about the defense. all of those two factors playing a big part in the eagles pending victory. >> i love research and numbers and love looking at comparisons like that. nfl research says the last time two teams met at nfc championship with both quarterbacks not being the quarterback was in 1970. so we'll see what it looks like today, should be interesting. a live look outside as we continue to watch the people and the fans getting excited. they are all around us as we continue our live coverage here in south philadelphia. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx -♪ well, i'm trying to get home ♪ ♪ but it feels like another life ♪ ♪ yeah, i'm trying to stay strong ♪ -hey! -♪ but sometimes i realize ♪ that the further i go ♪ the more that i know ♪ that i want to go home -[ snorting ] -when you and your money are treated with respect, you prosper. and at santander bank respect adds up. you prosper. new tv, new speakers, netflix. this is going to be the place for binge watching, ladies. is it, ladies? don't get me wrong, you have killer tech mrs. d, but you still don't have fios. ok? fios is a 100% fiber-optic network, literally engineered for streaming. good advice. i've also got some ideas on a better cereal selection, which i will keep to myself. experience netflix on the 100% fiber-optic network made for streaming. switch to fios and get a year of netflix on us with a two-year agreement. welcome back to nbc 10 news playoff special. a live look at the parking lot. fans are streaming in. they are ready. this is the day we've been waiting for. call us underdogs, we don't care. we embrace that. we're ready. and welcome back, guys, just driving up here this morning, i thought to myself, what would it be like if the eagles were to win tonight? this place will be -- >> i can't wait. i can't wait. >> unbelievable. >> when the eagles take the field later on this evening, they'll be wearing their green jerseys and white pants for tonight's game. that will be the look for tonight. >> which they have done. let's talk to matt delucia, at a church where they are encouraging team spirit in mt. airy. >> a lot of prayers here and a lot of that is going on inside the church right behind me, we're at dare to imagine church and folks have been wearing eagles jerseys and really has been more like a pep rally today with one big message, take a look. >> eagles! >> you can really feel the excitement inside and outside the church and today it is all about the eagles. the church goers came with eagles gear and some made their own hats and holding signs up during the service. they took the opportunity to say an extra prayer or two for the birds. >> we had to. we've got to pray. we pray all the time but today a special prayer that the eagles will win and we will go all way. >> pray for the whole city and let's acts right when we win tonight. let's be nice. >> reporter: let's be nice. valuable words there in the second service of the day is just underway and theekz folk looking ready to get home and start the party and it will continue on a couple of weeks from now with the super bowl. matt delucia, nbc 10 news. >> last week the game was on saturday so everyone was wearing their eagles gear on sunday. it was terrific. great to see many fans praying that the eagles will be going to the super bowl. >> he does answer prayers. we'll keep our fingers crossed. >> we talked so much what this team has been doing in the community and this next story hits close to home because it's chester high school, born and raised in chester and my little brother ian played on the chester high school team. brian came to visit the team some time ago to do something great for their coach, because of that visit, he got a chance of a lifetime. >> take a look. >> it was a tragic phone call to me, one of my football players, he was gunned down and at that moment, everything just stopped for a minute. and what made me go home and just sit down and ponder and think was what can i do differently. this is more than football. so what i did was i told myself, you've got to love them more. what i meant by that, be there to help them out when they really need me and that is when they are going to and from and doing so, i decided to go back and forth with transportation with them, just to keep them encouraged and keep them motivated mentally. >> it means a lot, no other coach that i have presently did that for me. for him to do that, he cares about this team. >> i never had a coach like that. for him not being from the city, that makes it a lot bigger. >> how are you doing, man? bless you. >> i know growing up, people in my life blessed me tremendously, individuals that came by my house to pick me up and take me to basketball practice and get me back home. what you and your wife are doing for these young man, the example you're setting for them, it goes a long way. i know that example still stands with me today. we want to bless you with this two tickets to attend this year's super bowl. >> wow. >> three night stay tahoe tell close to it. i hope you appreciate this because you're appreciated, brother, you're appreciated -- [ applause ] >> i got to get hyped for my boys. >> you got to do it. one two, three. >> go eagles! >> wow, gives me chills. that visit from dawkins really touched the team and coach in such a big way. i'll tell you something about the coach. i know he's a special guy. i was at the house one day and my stepmom said the coach was coming to take him to church. i know there's a god if he can get night brother to go to church on a sunday. >> that's a special coach. >> and it's a tough program but he has inspired the team in such a special way. i think he's very deserving of that honor. >> so humble, very nice to see. talk about being inspired, we have had the greatest video you have done the greatest videos with these eagles fight songs, let's look at them. ♪ ♪ fly eagles fly for a touchdown one two three ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ fly eagles fly on the road to victory ♪ ♪ eagles >> we love, love those. keep those performances coming. we love to hear your spin on the fight song. super easy through our nbc 10 app and tag us on social media @n @nbcphiladelphia. and it doesn't just fire up the fans. >> but it also inspires the players and here's what they had to say about the fight songs. >> it's been a tradition for years and years here. and it's just i want to give the city what it's been missing, a super bowl since 1960 and the fans have been here throughout thick and thin. you can give them what they want, it will be special. >> it's the whole crowd, the whole stadium you hear them singing and it's at one point in time it's everybody is on one accord. it's amazing. >> you know the words? >> for sure, everybody knows them. you hear it so much and you're out around town and somebody recognizes you, they go off with the song and all of that. it's pretty fun. my kids are singing it all the time. it's a blast for sure ♪ fly eagles fly on the road to victory ♪ ♪ fly eagles fly score a touchdown one two three ♪ ♪ hit them low him them high and watch our eagles fly ♪ ♪ fly eagles fly on the road to victory ♪ eagles! >> that's terrific. and the underdog masks are everywhere and boy have we been hearing the eagles cheer already and a lot. tailgating is in -- that's a whole new level right there. >> that's a twist. >> tailgating is in full swing for sure. >> we have our masks and the eating out of the bowls -- >> we won't be doing that. >> but if you do have a mask, we told you this earlier, a little while ago, you can wear your mask inside the stadium today, you have to go through security and take it off but once you get by safely you can put it on. leave the dog bowls in the trunk or at home -- >> that's a new level. that's a new level right there. >> well, when carson wentz went down in that game against the rams, we took a deep breath and said o. no. he hasn't been able to have an impact on the field. >> but off the field he really does. not stopping him from really doing some really good things off the field including this. >> what's up, danny, carson wentz here. i've been hearing about you and read about you and i heard you're a huge eagles fan and wanted to thank you for your support. it means a ton to us. >> this is such a sweet story. wentz sent this message to danny, the fourth grader battling cancer for a second time. wentz heard about the battle from a family friend who decided to reach out in support of danny's fight to get well. he's so great. names like wentz and jeffery and jenkins are the biggest reasons why the eagles are here. >> but there have been really unsung heroes as well that have made a big difference and contributed to this big nfc title game and marshall harris has more on them. >> goes to clement, outside. he's at the 10, at the 5. in the end zone. score. >> love seeing that boy get in there. >> that was clement's first time in the end zone as an eagle. but the rookie from new jersey reached pay dirt many more times and put together a remarkable season for a player who went undrafted in this year's draft. >> looking back at this, i didn't think i would be in this situation because i was undrafted and could have been bounced around easily. i'm happy for the position i'm in and want to keep doing better and at the same time, i can't forget that the chip has to stay on my shoulder. >> lijalen mills nearly went undrafted, 232 players heard names called before he did. the seventh round pick drew in of the toughest coverage assignment and shined. >> as a competitor, you always want better. my level to play right now has been decent but like i said, you always want better. i feel like i can do a lot more for sure. >> nigel bradham's emergence has been a huge key hoping to make up for the loss of jordan hicks, he says being overlooked is motivation for him and his teammates. >> this team is unique because we have a lot of those underdog type of guys, we are the way we do. mostly all underdogs, telling me, have a third mentality about them and no quitting and that's -- that matches the city so well. >> there may be no bigger underdog on this team than jake elliott, the eagles sign eed hi from cincinnati's practice squad kicks in history. >> the kick is -- it's good! and the eagles win. >> getting that win was huge and everything rolled from there. i think that maybe sparked a little confidence in our team and gave a little bit more energy but you know, it's hard to say. >> what isn't hard to say is that each of these players has played a key role in the eagles season. marshall harris, nbc sports philadelphia. >> this is a look from high above lincoln financial field. the linc is directly across the street from citizens bank park, the home of the philadelphia phillies and like the rest of the city, the phils are following the eagles run closely and no one more so than their new manager who also is excited. >> following the eagles players on social media has been a fascinating study for me. because one of the things i've been really attracted to is how -- what it feels like to be home dogs. you know, and how the players bond together and say, that's a really cool thing, that can create some motivation for us. >> and by the way, kapler will be at the home game. >> you know who else will be? joel embiid. >> home dogs, go birds. as we continue to be live here outside of xfinity live -- >> what's that? >> the tailgating is well under way. our live coverage continues in just a minute. here it is, folks. >> all comes down to this, the >> get him. >> ryan rolls. >> still looking. ryan -- throws it in the air! incomplete! incomplete! >> whoo! yeah! >> it's over and the crowd rejoices. >> go eagles. you're watching "nbc 10 news playoff special" sponsored by santander, the official bank of the philadelphia eagles. >> welcome back live from xfinity live and live from the parking lot opening early and grills are fired up. eagles are ready to fly and fans are ready. a big match-up tonight. >> here's a live look inside lincoln financial field, kickoff in today's nfc championship game scheduled for 6:40. the audible level will be off the chain. >> and people coming in right now are any indication, they've been super loud this morning. >> all morning long. we love it. >> yeah, we do. >> welcome back to our nbc 10s playoff coverage this morning. we are your official station of the philadelphia eagles. >> we sure are. d dray clark and tracy davidson have you covered. ran ddy gyllenhaal is live with what is already a sea of fans. >> go birds, we've got matt and his family here and they've got the underdog masks. how did you get them? they sold out. >> got them right after the game. >> 8 bucks for the mask. super psyched for today. >> reporter: what's the vikings going to think when they see a sea of dog masks. >> they are going to run, be out of there. >> reporter: they have this awesome rv we're going to show you a bit and come here every week -- ellen, right? the mom here she's making awesome cookies. >> got these at the bakery -- at the lancaster farmer's market and they've got -- the face on them and celebrating the eagles too. we couldn't be more excited. >> tell me about the atmosphere here at the tailgate? >> we've gone to tailgates in sub zero weather and quite cold and served a lot of really warm drinks. the sun is shining and we're feeling optimistic and so good about our team playing and we think we're going to pull a win today. >> let's head back outside and take a couple of steps out of the rv. there's still a lot of spots left. it's getting kind of hot out here even if a sweater, it's going to be a nice party full of a lot of people. let's do a quick eagles chant. >> eagles! >> underdogs are here, tailgates are just getting started, we're live outside the wells fargo center, randy gyllenhaal, nbc 10 news. >> powered by xfinity. and the grills are in full effect. it is a party in the parking lot. tailgating, big time here outside lincoln financial field as thousands of fans are already here ready for tonight's big game. to give you a live look down broad street from our kim p center campus camera, before that, again, flipping those burgers and anything you need to eat on this day. we have it for you here in this parking lot. getting around the city near the field is going to be a bit challenging. let's give you information about septa, discounts and roundtrip passes for the broad street line that's just for tonight's game. about $4 cash. you can purchase it at the fern rock transportation center or dill worth entrance at the city hall station and also the walnut locust station. we should also mention there will be extra express trains on broad street line starting at 3:35 this afternoon. >> septa is the best way to get here. we can see the lines already people streaming in and it's so early with kickoff not until 6:49. if you're coming down to the game. here's what you can bring, you're only allowed a small clutch purse with a clear bag. i don't think a lot of babies are coming to this one, it tb super loud. they are telling people to wear ear protection as adults. >> anything you miss, go to nbc 10.com or nbc 10 app. we have everything you need to know to make it down here to the linc today. >> let's talk about food, i've been talking to people all week about what are you having and planning for your tailgate. i posted yesterday on my instagram, green drink but there is green dough with deanna is. >> reporter: there is, you've been paying attention. there's a couple of them left here. these are cheesesteaks wrapped in the bread dough and it's many of the things they are picking up today. they say today's game is going to be spectacular and also holding out hope we'll have another game in two weeks. take a listen to the fans. >> a large tomato pie. >> reporter: big party, not too big. not too big. i've got friends from florida in town, going to get after it. >> see everybody in two weeks? >> correct. >> reporter: be back here buying more? >> probably be back next weekend. >> and you take a look here and the cases are empty. they are baking as fast as they can trying to keep up with demand. if you look, there's not a lot of space in the bakery. people are in here packing themselves in and refreshments in the corner here, adult ben beverages and baking and staying open to try and feed those hungry fans. reporting live in manayunk, nbc 10 news. >> they will be as we continue on. thank you, deanna. >> here's a live look at philly international airport, vikings fans getting into town from minneapolis, sun country airlines offering charter flights, around 12:40 this afternoon. we've been getting a really bum rap and vikings fans were warned to be careful here in the city of philadelphia. >> whatever. >> it's not that bad. we know how to treat people in the city. >> we're kind. we heard that -- >> some of the fans got into town friday, a little too much purple at the t shirts. they are nervous about the [ booing ] >> eagles fans gave a philly style greeting yesterday. these are vikings walking through a big flock of booing birds and several dozen vikings fans jockeying for position with eagles fans outside. >> fans are really passionate, should be pretty intense, i'm hoping for a good game. >> don't count the eagles out, we're taking it here and we're going to win. i don't know about these guys right here, they don't look that big to me so i think we got them. >> oh, yeah, minnesota fans did their traditional chant but you can be sure fly eagles fly will drown that out tonight at the linc for sure. we have everybody doing everything they can to ensure a win, fingers crossed, prayers -- >> don't move, don't say that, don't use the s word, super bowl. i guess it comes along with sports. with that in mind because there are so many sports superstitions we're going to talk more about that when we come back, definitely a lot of quirky weird stuff here. we'll talk about that when we come right back. 'sup, world? it's the box with 30% savings for safe drivers. coming at you with my brand-new vlog. just making some ice in my freezer here. so check back for that follow-up vid. this is my cashew guy bruno. holler at 'em, brun. kicking it live and direct here at the fountain. should i go habanero or maui onion? should i buy a chinchilla? comment below. did i mention i save people $620 for switching? chinchilla update -- got that chinchilla after all. say what up, rocco. ♪ a live look outside the linc, much warmer than last saturday and eagles fans are pumped up. welcome back to coverage. >> welcome back, everyone. we've seen so much this morning, so much talk about the green and white and i'll give you the privilege or not so nice privilege -- >> sure, nbc 10s randy gyllenhaal found fans from the other team. >> i'll let her say it. >> in the interest of fair and balanced journalism, we want to talk to vikings fans, we haven't found very many yet but found two here. they are part of an eagles tailgate, you are big purple, right? you're behind enemy lines, how does it feel? >> i was a little nervous but -- i have to -- i was born in minnesota, where my family is from. >> yeah. >> reporter: you're not scared of philly fans, are you? >> i'm good. definitely rougher than i thought it would be but it is what it is, we're here. >> reporter: how do you think the game will go? >> i don't want to say anything -- >> don't want to get booed all of these eagles fans here. philadelphia eagles fans are loyal but they are not mean to minnesota. minnesota nice how we thil be treated. >> they be treated great. that's how you treat people when they lose, you have to make them feel good. if watch the news in minnesota, they were telling fans they are coming to a hostile environment that we were murderers and gang members. we're bringing the heat case keenum doesn't know what he's in for. [ screaming ] >> eagles! >> even behind enemy lines, i think they gave them a couple of beers and they are eating, not a big deal if you are aa viking fans. the eagles fans will be in the stadium and they are going to be loud. who's going to win? >> let's go, birds! >> randy gyllenhaal, nbc 10 news. >> we get a bad rap. we'll embrace you when you lose, it's going to be just fine. >> gave their fans a list of what to do and what not to do when visiting philadelphia. i thought this is ridiculous. >> we get a bad rap because this is new video, clearly what somebody from the other team did to our beloved rocky statue. this is just wrong, all kinds of wrong. >> seriously all kinds of wrong. first of all, rocky is the underdog, we're the underdog and we take the heat for doing things that are well, inappropriate? >> we won't necessarily blame it on the vikings fans, we'll see some bullish person put that mess on rocky. >> we don't like it. >> with other colors. >> let's talk about the difference in the weather today versus last saturday when we had bitter temperatures and high winds and now we have sunshine and it's actually relatively warm. >> this is definitely football weather. let's check on today's forecast. krystal, today this is perfect football weather. >> it really is. i'll try to get through this, still feeling offended what i saw on the rocky statue. radar and satellite. the clouds start to spread across the area blanketing the region but you see the clouds don't stress too much. it's just cloudiness we're looking at. there's no returns of rain anywhere on the board. we're staying dry for tailgate weather. let's run through the next few hours, 1:00, 52 fwreez. that is 12 degrees warmer than average this time of year. 51 at 3:00 p.m. and 47 around 5:00. around the upper 40s as we go into the end of your tailfwatgi into the linc. around kickoff, stick upper 40s and cloudy, look at this last week on saturday the winds were an issue not only because of the windchill but the head wind for teams. not going to be a problem this time. 5 to 10-mile-per-hour winds and 45 degrees and we'll stay in the mid-40s for the fourth quarter as well, mild for our january. run through the hour by hour model. there's 3:30. the cloudy conditions kill stick through the afternoon. 6:30, cloudy but it's dry. could there be a few sprinkles north and west? yes, but i don't think it's going to impact the game. 10:00, 11:00 this evening, stilg a few spotty showers to the north but looking at any chance of rain until midnight. the eagles are fabz are celebrating, we got a tweet from someone saying the sprinkles will be the vikings fans flying home crying from the only two e eagles to a super bowl and doug pederson is aiming to be the third. >> the first is legendary coach dick vermeil, vai talked with vermeil earlier this week. >> let's talk about philadelphia and what's happened there. let's start with the coach, doug pederson, the job he's done. >> i've gotten to know him the last couple of years and i'm impressed and doug will tell you he has to find staff and empowers them correctly and the players feel comfortable playing and works them tough. they don't think he's being mean. they appreciate what they are doing. two weeks ago they wanted to wear pads during the bye week, that was huge. big thing. >> to me, win laws or draw he's the nfl coach of the year for me. >> they were underdogs at home, first time the number one seed was an underdog on the home field. i have the feeling that doug played into that with his players and that hey, nobody believes we can win. >> you know, i think we all do that. doug probably did it and but more often than not, once the game starts it's all behind them. you may use it after the game and say that will show them. we taught them who was best. that's how little they know about us, that type of thing. but you can use it a little bit of a motivational tool but i believe a lot of motivational things you do before a game, fade, right, as you know, your punt kickoff return you're not thinking what the media said, you're playing football. >> i feel like they have to play the way the old nfc east used to play when you were coaching in that division, run the football when the weather turns cold, play solid defense, they seem to have all the pieces. >> they run the ball exceptionally well and defense shuts people down. i feel like if they do that, they can win this game. >> i feel that too. when you can play real good defense and run the football, you've got a hell of a chance. we're not saying anything that somebody else isn't saying, getting experience again and gaining confidence, the odds are in your favor to win a football game. >> love that. coach dick vermeil. >> he's a legend. >> with vai sikahema. >> what's on your menu tonight? >> i was practicing those green drinks the other day and i have meatballs and some legal wrapped up sausages and all low cal stuff that i'm serving but deanna durante is at the baker where they are serving low cal stuff i'm sure and people have been lined up -- you're jumping in and helping out. >> reporter: we jumped outside to see the eagles decorations here. the bakery here is probably going to be staying up late. if you didn't place an order you'll be stick with what's left over. people are crowded around that small cash register there. earlier today we were at the con sho hocken italian bakery where they were baking up hundreds of tomato pies, they sent more than 20,000 rolls on the streets to feed people at local restaurants for their tailgating parties and we're here at marchianos, they say you need to get your stuff now. here's very interesting sound from an excited fan we talked to a little while ago. >> go birds, go eagles e-a-g-l-e-s! >> everybody buy your pies at marchiano's, i've got to go to the game and tailgate. see you! >> i don't know that everybody is buying their pies but they certainly are sold out of tomato pies here. they are making more as we speak and after that person, i don't know what else to say other than go birds, that's the latest. deanna durante, nbc 10 news. >> that's terrific. >> appreciate it. >> now take you to parking lots all around here where tailgating is already under way. 6:00 this morning, so -- >> ♪ fly eagles fly ♪ on the road to victory eagles! >> i love it. >> that is the fight song. that is the fight song. and we hope all of this energy we're seeing in the parking lot will carry over inside the linc when kickoff happens at 6:40 later on today. >> in case people want to get inside, all of the gates open at 4:30. video of this little fan as we're taking a live look at these adult fans, a little fan, 5-year-old annie, her parents sent me this video. she's sort of giving eagles a pep talk. take a look. >> i know philadelphia is sad carson wentz got hurt but that doesn't stop us! i'm proud of you boys because you are going to win the season with the best in the envelope, you got a first round bye in a home field advantage. his name should be bob the builder. they called you underdogs and you came out [ barking ] >> bite the dog. you were so funny when you wear those masks after the game. started being silly but they are calling us underdogs again, but you boys will go out and bite those vikings. our offense and defense are going -- world, you better get ready. nick foles is going to throw the ball again and again through the two upright poles. we're going to the super bowl. that means philly, you have to get loud! and you plan to go to -- you're going to sit down, you should stay home. we need you to stand up and get loud. don't you dare go to this game and scream like a little 5-year-old girl. all right, my time is done. but when i watch the game this sunday, every touchdown, better here the new rally cry, philly philly. >> do you think she had enough capri sun. >> you have to get loud! >> love her. her energy. need to have her in the locker room later today before they take the tunnel. >> that's just about the energy level that eagles fans are at already. >> nbc 10s randy gyllenhaal has been in the thick of it all, even talking to fans on the vikings side of the conversation. boo to them. but there's no doubt these fans are pumped up and ready to see the eagles march on the super bowl. hey. >> reporter: i'm joined by my man name nate from limerick. >> national championship, about to be in the super bowl for sure. >> reporter: tell me -- what's it going to be like -- see those masks and dog masks throughout to do to opposing team. >> hopefully it will scare them. we've been told to take it off for defense to make it loud. >> reporter: that energy from the fans will be what will push the team forward. how loud do you think it's going to be? >> it's going to be outrageous. i was here last phenomenal. >> reporter: they actually got this ice fishing tint they thought they would have to use because it was going to be cold and it's really nice right now. are you ready? >> you bet. >> reporter: nick foles, going to do well. >> 24-10, they win. >> go birds! >> go birds! >> yeah. >> are you going to the game? >> we're just tailgating here. >> big party all day long. >> we've got the tv set up and music going all day and food cooking, roast beef sandwich and meat ball subs. >> reporter: real philly. should people come down even if they don't have tickets? >> tailgate is the best thing about football, you come out here and have a good day with your boys and go eagles. eagles! >> these guys are hyped up, ready to go. we've still got hours until kickoff but this party will be an all day event, probably the biggest party in philadelphia since at least 2005 when the birds win tonight, it will be on broad street. for now we're live on the linc, nbc 10 news. >> when the birds win tonight. i love that. a lot of people will be tailgating that can't get into the game. you can always come to xfinity live, a great place to watch. >> thanks for joining us for nbc news playoff special. i'm tracy davidson. >> take care, guys. ♪ it may be a laidback sunday in d.c., but the nhl's metro divi is as jammed as a rush hour commute. the caps are first in the division led by the generation's most prolific goal scorer. but today alex ovechkin is on the verge of a different milestone sitting on 499 career assists. the current nhl assists leader is jake voracek with 45. his flyers are sixth but have climbed to within eight of the capitals with a game in hand. today's metro stop is capital one