It’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the young NFL season as the Philadelphia Eagles prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3. Both teams are riding high at 2-0, and Sunday’s contest at Lincoln Financial Field promises fireworks, storylines, and perhaps a dash of playoff revenge. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET, and fans across the country can catch the action on FOX, with streaming options available via Fubo and NFL Sunday Ticket for those tuning in from afar.
This isn’t just another early-season clash. It’s a rematch of last January’s tense playoff battle, a game still fresh in the minds of players and fans alike. Back then, the Eagles edged the Rams 28-22 in the snow, thanks in no small part to Saquon Barkley’s record-shattering performance. Barkley ran wild for 255 yards in the regular-season meeting and added 205 more in the playoff victory, including four runs of 60 yards or more and a memorable 78-yard touchdown that sealed the win. As the snow fell and Barkley slapped his helmet in celebration, the Eagles punched their ticket to the NFC Championship.
But this season, things haven’t come quite so easily for Barkley or the Eagles’ offense. Opposing defenses have made containing the star running back their top priority. The Chiefs held him to just 57 yards on 25 carries in the Super Bowl. The Cowboys limited him to 60 yards in the opener, and the Chiefs again kept him mostly in check last week, allowing 88 yards on 22 attempts. Barkley hasn’t broken a run longer than 16 yards in any of these games. Still, the Eagles have managed to win all three contests, a testament to their adaptability and grit.
“We didn’t have splash runs,” Barkley said after the Eagles’ narrow 20-17 victory over the Chiefs on September 14, 2025. “But we did a good job getting the run game going a little bit. You don’t always have the big, long run. But we grinded and put ourselves in position to make plays.”
Head coach Nick Sirianni recognizes the need for more explosive plays and hinted at a shift in strategy. “That’s going to open up everything,” he said, referring to the plan to use deep passes to loosen up the defense and create running lanes for Barkley. On September 15, Sirianni elaborated: “I think we’ve been very efficient moving the ball forward as an offense. Now it’s hard to consistently inch your way down the field. So you want to hit explosives. You have to hit explosives.”
The Eagles’ passing attack, however, has yet to fully ignite. Star receiver A.J. Brown has just six catches for 35 yards through two games, with his longest reception being eight yards. With the Rams’ secondary taking a hit—standout cornerback Akhello Witherspoon is expected to be on injured reserve after breaking his clavicle—Sirianni may be tempted to test the Rams deep and early, hoping to spark Brown and open up the field for Barkley.
On the other side, the Rams arrive in Philadelphia with confidence after dispatching the Tennessee Titans 33-19 last week. Under head coach Sean McVay, Los Angeles is known for its high-octane offense and creative play-calling. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, now 37, may not be as mobile as he once was, but his arm remains dangerous. With weapons like Puka Nacua and Davante Adams at receiver and Kyren Williams in the backfield, the Rams can strike quickly and from anywhere on the field.
The Rams’ defense, often overshadowed by their offense, is young and formidable. Edge rusher Jared Verse, who notched two sacks in last season’s playoff game against the Eagles, leads a unit that’s allowed just 14 points per game so far. The Rams are giving up only 4.8 yards per play, and their ability to generate pressure could be a key factor against Philadelphia’s offensive line.
Still, the Eagles have their own defensive stars ready to make an impact. Defensive lineman Jalen Carter, back from a suspension, made his season debut against the Chiefs and wasted no time making his presence felt. Carter recorded two tackles, a tackle for loss, and three quarterback hits, helping the Eagles notch two sacks—two more than they managed against the Cowboys. If Carter and the rest of the front seven can keep the heat on Stafford, it could be a long afternoon for the Rams’ offense.
Statistically, this game is as close as they come. The Eagles are averaging 22 points per game while allowing 18.5; the Rams are putting up 23.5 points and surrendering just 14. Philadelphia’s offense averages 4.4 yards per play, almost identical to the 4.8 allowed by the Rams’ defense. Meanwhile, Los Angeles is picking up a whopping 6.6 yards per play on offense, but the Eagles’ defense is allowing just 5.4. It’s a classic strength-on-strength showdown, with each team’s best units set to collide.
Adding to the intrigue, both teams enter with clean injury reports—no small feat in the NFL. That means fans should see all the stars on the field, from Barkley and Brown to Stafford and Adams, with no asterisks or excuses.
For those looking to witness the action live, tickets are still available, starting at $222. For fans unable to make it to Lincoln Financial Field, FOX will have the national broadcast, with streaming available for both in-market and out-of-market viewers. The betting lines slightly favor the Eagles, who are 3.5-point favorites with moneyline odds at -190. The over/under for total points is set at 44.5, reflecting expectations for a tightly contested, high-energy affair.
Of course, the stakes go beyond just Week 3 bragging rights. In the NFL, a 3-0 start can set the tone for a season and provide a crucial edge in the race for playoff seeding. Both teams know the importance of this early-season litmus test, especially after last year’s playoff drama. Can the Eagles’ defense contain Stafford and the Rams’ versatile attack? Will Barkley recapture his magic against a retooled Rams front? Or will McVay’s squad flip the script and hand Philadelphia their first loss?
One thing’s for sure: when the Eagles and Rams take the field on Sunday, all eyes will be on Lincoln Financial. With history, rivalry, and playoff implications swirling, this is one game fans won’t want to miss. As the clock ticks down to kickoff, anticipation is building for what could be an instant classic in the City of Brotherly Love.
