$1,500
Third game of this second NFL playoff weekend features a matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams.
After a Saturday that likely saw the season’s two first seeds, the Chiefs and Lions, make their playoff debuts, Sunday promises thrilling clashes. In the NFC conference, the Philadelphia Eagles will play their second home game of this playoff season against the Los Angeles Rams, who advanced in style during the previous round.
Let’s dive in our Rams vs Eagles predictions for this NFL Divisional Round game.
• Date: Sunday, Jan. 19th
• Time: 6:30 pm ET
• Venue: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
• Broadcast: CBS/Paramount+
The Philadelphia Eagles enter this second weekend of the NFL playoffs brimming with confidence. Champions of the NFC East for the second time in the past three seasons, Nick Sirianni’s team closed out the regular season in exceptional form, winning 12 of their last 13 games. This strong momentum carried over into the first round of the NFL playoffs, where they secured a commanding victory over the Green Bay Packers (22-10).
On the other hand, the Los Angeles Rams also savored the joy of winning their division, despite being far from favorites at the start of the 2024 NFL season. Sean McVay’s squad managed an impressive finish to the regular season, winning crucial games to secure yet another playoff appearance. Their playoff run got off to a strong start, as they delivered an authoritative victory over the Vikings in a game relocated due to wildfires affecting the Los Angeles region.
Being in two different divisions, the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles don’t often cross paths during the regular season. Over the past 17 seasons, the two franchises have faced each other eight times, with the Eagles winning seven of those matchups. The most recent victory came during the 2024 regular season, with the Eagles dominating in November with a convincing 37-20 win. The Rams will need to raise their game to keep the suspense alive in this NFL playoff clash.
The Philadelphia Eagles enter the NFL playoffs not only with confidence but also with a team well aware of its strengths. Defensively, the Eagles are rarely caught off guard, boasting a dominant line, top-tier linebackers, and a secondary capable of forcing turnovers on almost every play. Offensively, the Eagles feature an elite ground game led by Saquon Barkley—more on him later—and quarterback Jalen Hurts, who isn’t shy about using his legs when needed.
Statistically, the Eagles’ passing attack isn’t among the league’s most prolific, averaging just 184.2 yards per game (29th in the league). This is largely due to the limited number of passing attempts, as their run game takes center stage. However, a noticeable weakness lies in their ability to start games strong offensively. The Eagles often struggle with sluggish drives in the first half, which could allow the Rams to stay competitive longer than expected.
The Los Angeles Rams’ greatest strength heading into these NFL playoffs doesn’t necessarily show up in the stats, whether on offense or defense. Instead, their edge lies in their experience at this stage of the competition. Head coach Sean McVay is adept at finding solutions in challenging situations and hostile environments. Additionally, quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has already led his team to a Super Bowl victory, brings invaluable experience that could tilt the game in the Rams’ favor.
However, the Rams have clear weaknesses in their roster. While their young defense has shown promise and made progress late in the regular season, it still isn’t strong enough to be considered one of the league’s elite units, which often creates problems against top-tier NFL offenses. Offensively, the Rams also face challenges, ranking just 10th in passing and 24th in rushing. This could prove problematic when trying to maintain a lead in a high-stakes playoff matchup.
PICK 1 – Saquon Barkley over 111.5 rushing yards (-115)
PICK 2 – Saquon Barkley First touchdown scorer (+450)
Previous Meeting:
The two teams last met on November 24, 2024, where the Eagles secured a 37-20 victory over the Rams. In that game, running back Saquon Barkley delivered a standout performance, rushing for 255 yards and scoring two touchdowns, including impressive runs of 70 and 72 yards.
Key Players:
Eagles:
• Saquon Barkley: A significant threat in the running game, as evidenced by his previous performance against the Rams.
• Jordan Mailata: Recognized as the NFL’s best offensive lineman in 2024, playing a crucial role in both pass protection and run blocking.
• Rams:
• Byron Young: An emerging force on the defensive line, contributing to the Rams’ pass rush.
• Puka Nacua: A reliable target in the passing game, leading the team with nine receptions for 117 yards in their last meeting with the Eagles.
Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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