The Los Angeles Rams prepare to visit Lincoln Financial Field to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in what promises to be an electrifying playoff matchup.
The Eagles are the favourites after finishing with a 14-3 record. Still, the record-breaking performance of the Rams’ defense in their Wild Card victory over the favoured Minnesota Vikings provides a glimmer of hope for the underdogs.
DAZN News breaks down three key factors which could prove decisive in the matchup.
-
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Rams - Sunday, Jan 12; 3pm ET / 8pm GMT / 9pm CET
Matthew Stafford and the Rams’ receivers vs the Eagles’ secondary
(Getty Images)
Statistically speaking, the Los Angeles Rams had a 6% chance to make the playoffs after opening the season with a 1-4 record.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw only three touchdowns in that five-game span, as the Rams’ passing attack struggled in the absence of injured wide receivers Puca Nakua and Cooper Kupp.
Upon his return, Nakua invigorated the Rams’ passing game. Averaging 90 receiving yards per game. He trailed only Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson among all NFL wide receivers.
Tasked with keeping Nakua and Cupp contained will be an Eagles secondary, which allowed the fewest passing yards per game among all teams in 2024.
The matchup between talented Rams’ receivers and the talented Eagles’ secondary could determine which team progresses to the AFC Championship game.
- WATCH: Watch the NFL Playoffs & Super Bowl LIX live on DAZN for £14.99 (Click here for discounted price in your country).
Run blocking of the Eagles’ offensive line and Saquon Barkley vs Rams’ run defense
Saquon Barkley ran ragged over the Los Angeles Rams’ defense when these two teams met in Week 12.
His 255 yards was a career-high and the ninth-most single rushing yards by a running back in the history of the NFL.
As talented as Barkley is, some credit for that performance must go to the Eagles’ offensive line comprising five-time pro bowler Lane Johnson and star performers such as Jordan Mailata and Landon Dickerson.
If the Eagles’ offensive dominates the trenches, as they did in their previous meeting, the Rams will have no chance of winning.
Pass blocking of the interior of the Eagles’ offensive line vs Rams’ DTs
Johnson, Mailata, and left guard Dickerson are adept at pass protection, but center Cam Jurgens and right guard Mekhi Becton are liabilities.
The Rams’ defensive tackles dominated the interior of the Vikings’ offensive line last weekend, collecting five sacks between them.
If Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske can find a way to create isolated matchups against Jurgens and Becton, then they could disrupt Hurts and the Eagles’ passing game.
Conclusion
The Eagles would be wise to lean on a ground game spearheaded by Saquon Barkley. That approach worked exceptionally well in their Week 12 matchup with the Rams, and there is no reason to think it cannot be effective again.
Forcing the Rams to focus on stopping Barkley would open up opportunities for big plays in the passing game for wide receivers A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith.
The Rams must look to carry over some of the momentum from their performance last weekend.
They need big plays on both sides of the ball and must win the turnover battle to stand a chance of causing an upset.
Watch 2025 NFL Playoffs live on DAZN
Every game during the NFL regular season and playoffs — including the Super Bowl — is available worldwide on DAZN, excluding the United States and China.
DAZN is the only place to watch NFL Game Pass International, with 335 games per season, and each game is available live* and on demand.
Sign up to Game Pass** now to watch every playoff game and Super Bowl LIX live.
For more information and to sign up, head here now.
* In the United Kingdom, up to two Sunday games per week during the regular season will air on DAZN on a 24-hour tape delay.
**Viewers in Canada can access all NFL content through their regular DAZN subscription.
More NFL
- Full NFL schedule and results
- NFC standings
- AFC standings
- NFL all time greatest quarterback
- Buy NFL Game Pass
- DAZN NFL broadcast schedule