Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for two of the NFC’s most talked-about contenders, as the Philadelphia Eagles welcome the Los Angeles Rams to Lincoln Financial Field this Sunday. With both teams entering the matchup undefeated at 2-0, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with anticipation over what could be an early-season classic. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET, and the stakes couldn’t be much higher for franchises still searching for their rhythm in a competitive conference.
Philadelphia’s start to the season has been impressive on paper, but the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. The Eagles are coming off a hard-fought 20-17 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in a Super Bowl LIX rematch, a game that tested their resilience and showcased their defensive grit. That win, paired with a Week 1 triumph over the Dallas Cowboys (24-20), has propelled the Eagles to an 18-1 record dating back to last season. Even more remarkable, they’ve won 16 consecutive games when quarterback Jalen Hurts starts and finishes—a streak that’s become the talk of the league.
Yet, questions linger in Philadelphia about the team’s ability to finish drives and protect leads. While the Eagles have found ways to win, their performances have been far from flawless. This Sunday’s matchup against the Rams is being viewed as a barometer for where the Eagles truly stand in the NFC hierarchy. With sportsbooks favoring the Eagles by 3.5 to 4.5 points, the expectation is for a competitive contest that could go down to the wire.
On the other side, the Los Angeles Rams arrive in Philadelphia with plenty of confidence and a chip on their shoulder. After opening the season with victories over Houston and Tennessee, the Rams have shown they’re not to be underestimated. Quarterback Matthew Stafford remains the steady hand at the helm of Sean McVay’s offense, and his growing chemistry with a new crop of young playmakers has kept the Rams dynamic and dangerous.
This isn’t the first time these teams have squared off in a high-stakes setting. Their most recent meeting came in last season’s divisional round of the playoffs—an unforgettable, snow-filled battle in which the Eagles narrowly escaped with a 28-22 win. That game saw Eagles running back Saquon Barkley explode for over 200 rushing yards, while Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for more than 300 yards. Ultimately, it was two late pass rushes by Eagles’ defensive tackle Jalen Carter that sealed the victory for Philadelphia.
Stafford, reflecting on that playoff duel, had high praise for Carter: “He’s a heck of a football player,” Stafford said during an interview on SiriusXM NFL’s Radio “Let’s Go!”. “Jalen Carter is a special talent, and he’s somebody that on that defense, you have to know where he is on every single play.” Stafford also noted the unique conditions of that snowy clash, adding, “Snow on the ground, ball was sliding all over the place. So that’s a little bit of a unique one.”
Despite the weather’s impact, Stafford made it clear the Rams are drawing lessons from both that playoff meeting and their regular-season loss to Philadelphia last year. “We played 'em earlier in the season last year. They beat us handily at our place, were able to control the game, ran the football. Saquon [Barkley] had an unbelievable day, and we didn’t do enough on offense. So I’ll take a little bit from both of those games and try to figure out what we can do to go after these guys. We’ll have a good plan, we’ll go out there and cut it loose on Sunday.”
Stafford’s respect for the Eagles extends to both sides of the ball. “On the offensive side of the ball, they have a lot of the same players back. They’ve been doing a heck of a job. And then on the defensive side, it’s been impressive because they did lose some pieces, whether it be through free agency or guys moving on. But they’ve been able to retool. I think Vic Fangio does a hell of a job getting those guys ready to play every single week. And really their defense has done a really nice job at keeping them in those games. And then timely scoring. I mean, you look at it, they are as talented as anybody from top to bottom on both sides of the football. And they’ve been really timely in their ability to score points and win games.”
For the Eagles, Sunday’s game is more than just another regular-season contest. It’s a chance to solidify their reputation as the NFC’s team to beat, especially after a summer of roster tweaks and a defense that’s had to retool under coordinator Vic Fangio. The Eagles’ schedule doesn’t get any easier from here, with upcoming clashes against the Buccaneers, Broncos, and Giants looming on the horizon. Every win counts—and every slip-up could open the door for rivals in a crowded playoff race.
From a betting perspective, the numbers tell a story of their own. According to predictive analytics from Dimers.com, the Eagles have a 65% chance of winning outright, while the Rams have a 54% probability of covering the 4.5-point spread. The over/under for the game is set at 46.5 points, with a slight edge toward the under at 53%. The model’s predicted final score? Eagles 24, Rams 20. Still, with the Rams’ balanced attack and the Eagles’ occasional struggles to close games, nothing is set in stone.
Local fans can catch the action live on FOX, with streaming options available on NFL+, YouTube TV, and Fubo. Radio coverage will be provided by 94WIP, while NBC10 and NBC Sports Philadelphia will handle pre-game and post-game analysis. For those interested in the numbers, the moneyline currently sits at Rams +180 and Eagles -218, reflecting the Eagles’ status as favorites but leaving the door wide open for a Rams upset.
As Sunday approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be a measuring-stick game for both teams. Will the Eagles’ home-field advantage and recent dominance continue, or will the Rams find a way to break through and stake their claim as a true NFC threat? One thing’s for sure—this Week 3 showdown at Lincoln Financial Field is set to deliver all the drama, intensity, and unpredictability that makes the NFL so captivating.
With kickoff just around the corner, both teams are primed for a battle that could shape the course of their seasons. Whether it’s Barkley’s explosive runs, Stafford’s pinpoint passing, or Carter’s disruptive presence in the trenches, fans can expect fireworks from start to finish. As the action unfolds, the NFC playoff picture will start to come into sharper focus—so buckle up, because this one is far from decided.
