Eagles and Rams Set for NFC Showdown at the Linc
The stage is set once again for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams, two NFC heavyweights who are no strangers to high-stakes battles. If you remember last year’s divisional playoff game, the Rams came within a breath of eliminating the eventual Super Bowl champions. It was a snowy, unforgettable night in Philadelphia when Saquon Barkley powered through for over 200 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Even then, the Rams were driving late, threatening to tie the game, until defensive tackle Jalen Carter made the play that defined the Eagles’ championship run — a crucial sack on Matthew Stafford that shut the door in the final minute.
Fast forward to now, both teams enter this Week 3 matchup undefeated at 2-0, and it feels like the rivalry is growing into something real. Philadelphia has been nearly unstoppable, winning 18 of their last 19 games. On the other side, the Rams are thriving when Stafford is under center, with an 8-2 record in his last 10 starts — and yes, both of those losses came at the hands of the Eagles. So, Sunday’s clash at Lincoln Financial Field is more than just another game; it could have major implications for NFC playoff seeding and maybe even home-field advantage down the line.
Also Read:For the Eagles, the passing attack hasn’t quite clicked yet. Jalen Hurts is completing his throws at a high rate, but the explosive plays haven’t been there. Philadelphia has gone two games without a passing touchdown, something not seen since the 2010 Steelers — who, by the way, made it to the Super Bowl that year. But while the aerial game has been quiet, the ground attack led by Barkley has been lethal, especially against these Rams. Last season alone, Barkley gashed Los Angeles for nearly 500 rushing yards, including multiple long touchdown runs that put him in rare company alongside legends like Adrian Peterson and Jim Brown. If the Rams can’t contain him this time, the Eagles might not even need to lean on their passing game.
Meanwhile, the Rams’ offense looks rejuvenated. Stafford has been sharp, ranking among the league leaders in completion percentage and yards per attempt. His chemistry with Puka Nacua has been outstanding — he’s hitting Nacua on nine of every ten throws. And now with Davante Adams in the mix, even if that connection is still developing, this attack has the tools to test a Philadelphia secondary that’s still trying to find its rhythm. Expect Stafford to look their way often, forcing the Eagles’ defense to answer in coverage while also holding up against the Rams’ pass protection schemes.
So what will it all come down to? As always, the trenches. The Rams bring pressure with guys like Jared Verse and Byron Young, while the Eagles counter with a deep rotation that includes fresh faces like Za’Darius Smith. One side will have to win up front to control the tempo. If the Rams can limit Barkley’s big plays and give Stafford enough time to exploit mismatches, they’ll have a real shot. If not, Philadelphia’s grind-it-out style could prevail again.
Prediction? Oddsmakers give the Eagles a slight edge, but don’t be surprised if this one turns into another classic. Some believe the Rams could sneak out a close victory, maybe something like 28–27. However it shakes out, fans should be in for another dramatic chapter in what’s becoming one of the NFC’s most compelling matchups.
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