The anticipation is high for the 2025 NFL Divisional Round as the Los Angeles Rams gear up to face the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday at 3 PM EST. Both teams come off strong performances, with the Eagles besting the Green Bay Packers 22-10, and the Rams delivering an impressive 27-9 win over the Minnesota Vikings, tying an NFL record by recording nine sacks.
These teams met earlier this season, with the Eagles defeating the Rams 37-20 at SoFi Stadium. This time, the stakes are even higher as the winner advances to the NFC Championship Game. The Eagles, who have built momentum, look to extend their home playoff winning streak to seven games.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts leads the Eagles' offense, supported by the explosive running back Saquon Barkley, who has been pivotal this postseason. The Eagles’ game plan will revolve around overpowering the Rams' defense, but they must be wary of the formidable Rams' edge rusher Jared Verse, who has emerged as a significant threat following his impressive rookie season.
One major storyline going forward is how the snowy weather conditions may affect the Rams, particularly quarterback Matthew Stafford, who historically struggles in wet conditions, holding a dismal record of 1-8 when facing rain or snow. With temperatures expected to dip and snow beginning to accumulate starting around noon, the Rams will need to adapt quickly if they hope to succeed against the Eagles' energetic crowd and formidable defense.
For Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio, the strategy will be clear: pressure Stafford and disrupt the Ram's offensive flow. The Eagles abandoned their blitz-heavy schemes against Los Angeles earlier this season when they sacked Stafford five times, leading to significant offensive struggles for the Rams.
Compounding the Eagles’ challenges is the injury to star linebacker Nakobe Dean. His absence opens the door for Oren Burks and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to step up, with Fangio poised to test their capabilities. Both players have performed well when called upon but will need to demonstrate their effectiveness against the Rams' varied attack.
Fans should also keep an eye on the turnover ratio, which has proven to be pivotal; the Eagles are coming off a dominant turnover battle against the Packers, creating four turnovers without conceding any. This performance was echoed earlier this season when the Eagles forced key turnovers against the Rams.
Starting fast will be key for the Eagles to take the running game away from Los Angeles. Their goal is to establish control early, replicates what they successfully executed back on November 24, allowing them to dictate the game flow. A slow start for the Rams would force them to abandon their favored run-heavy approach, placing Stafford under increased pressure.
According to new simulations run by Dimers, the Eagles currently sport a 71% chance to win, reflecting how strongly they are favored leading up to this matchup. The predictive modeling expert concludes with the Eagles expected to win 24-18, which speaks volumes about their current form.
Your wallet also takes center stage here, as betting picks suggest going for the Rams +6.5 (-115), with several various player prop bets showcasing the anticipated performances. Key players like Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley are heavily predicted to find the end zone, which could influence many fans' betting strategies.
The NFC Divisional matchup between the Eagles and Rams promises to be electrifying, drawing local fans and football enthusiasts alike to the chilled atmosphere of Philadelphia. With so much on the line, it's about more than just football; it's about pride, legacy, and the chance to march toward the coveted Lombardi Trophy. Both teams must overcome their obstacles to move forward, and the matchup at Lincoln Financial Field will surely deliver fireworks this Sunday.