Game Preview: Rams vs. Eagles | 19 January 2025

The 2024 NFC Playoffs continue for the Eagles in the divisional round as they host Los Angeles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday at 7 p.m. 3 p.m. The teams played in Week 12, with the Eagles winning 37-20 at SoFi Stadium. This time, the Eagles are coming off a solid win over Green Bay last Sunday, while the Rams beat the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night.

Now they meet for the second time this season. There are plenty of points to talk about, so let’s dive right in as the Eagles look to go 7-0 in the divisional round at home in their franchise history and advance to another NFC Championship Game.

1. Take QB Matthew Stafford out of his comfort zone

When the Rams are having it offensively, that usually means quarterback Matthew Stafford is dealing. He has all the tools and the Rams’ offense is multi-pronged, and when Los Angeles is able to establish the run game and give Stafford time to set up in the pocket, he’s lethal with that excellent group of pass catchers.

So what should the Eagles do? They need to be assigned sound, create some negative plays and remove Stafford from his spot. That’s what they did on Nov. 24, when the Rams moved the ball on their first two possessions and then went without a first down for the entire second quarter, a total of three possessions (plus one final play before the half). It changed the course of the game and the Los Angeles offense couldn’t catch up.

The Eagles sacked Stafford five times and pressured him throughout the game, so a repeat is what defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is looking for.

2. Oren Burks and Jeremiah Trotter Jr.: What does it mean for D?

Along with the above, the loss of Nakobe Dean at linebacker is something the Eagles will have to overcome. It’s fair to expect the Rams and head coach Sean McVay will test the Eagles, with Oren Burks and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. replaces Dean, who had a sensational season before his knee injury. Will Fangio use both players in the blitz? How effective can they be playing in the backfield? How about defending the screenplay? There is a lot at stake here with a new look at linebacker, although both Burks and Trotter have played well on the field.

3. The offensive line has a big challenge

Everyone was watching Monday night as the Rams sacked Minnesota quarterback Sam Darnold nine times. It was an overwhelming performance by a young, aggressive and powerful Rams front. Led by rookie Jared Verse and a host of standout players inside, Los Angeles poses a threat to Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ offense.

Philadelphia pulled it off in Week 12 when running back Saquon Barkley ran for a franchise-record 255 yards and the Eagles gained 314 yards on the ground. Hurts had plenty of time to throw the football, and the Eagles moved the ball up and down the field for 481 net yards.

The Rams were humbled by that experience and have since bounced back. So what will be different here? How will the Eagles handle the hard-charging Rams?