© Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles vs. Rams - Game Preview and Prediction

The Philadelphia Eagles are set to take on the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday at SoFi Stadium with kickoff at 1:05 p.m. PT.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles enter this matchup boasting the 5th best offense in the league, averaging just under 30 points per game. Their offensive strategy heavily leans on the running game, making them one of the most run-focused teams in the NFL. With an average of 35 rushing attempts per game and an impressive 4.7 yards per carry, the Eagles' ground attack is a major contributor to their success. This can be attributed to their strong offensive line and the addition of D'Andre Swift, who averages an impressive 94 rushing yards per game.

While the rushing game has been solid, the passing attack hasn't been as prolific. However, A.J. Brown has been a standout performer, recording consecutive games with over 130 receiving yards. It's worth noting that the Eagles have struggled against the blitz, particularly impacting Jalen Hurts when he's under pressure. Additionally, when facing zone blitzes, the Eagles' passing game has faltered, ranking at the bottom of the league in EPA per pass. These challenges have also affected their red zone performance, where they currently sit 24th in red zone success rate. However, they may find opportunities against a Rams defense that ranks in the bottom 10 in red zone defense.

Eagles' Defensive Struggles

Defensively, the Eagles have not replicated their dominant form from the previous season. They currently allow an average of 22.5 points per game, placing them in the middle of the pack. Giving up 5.2 yards per play, the Eagles have struggled to get off the field on third downs. They rank 25th in opponent third-down conversion rate and 28th in opponent red zone success rate. This could pose challenges against the Rams, who have been effective in scoring inside the 20-yard line. However, the Eagles have been stout against the run, conceding just 3.3 yards per carry and 63 rushing yards per game.

The secondary has been plagued by injuries, resulting in opponents resorting to more pass-heavy strategies. As a result, the Eagles allow an average of 260 passing yards per game and 6.4 yards per completion. While the depth of completion isn't abysmal, opposing quarterbacks have completed passes at a 67% rate, which is higher than the league average. To compensate for this, the defensive line has been instrumental in pressuring quarterbacks. They will need to maintain this pressure against Matthew Stafford to prevent big plays over the top.

Rams' Recent Performance

The Los Angeles Rams faced a challenging matchup against the Indianapolis Colts last week. Although they held the Colts scoreless in the first half, the second half saw a comeback, with the Rams allowing 23 unanswered points, forcing the game into overtime. Rookie sensation Puka Nacua made a significant impact, catching the game-winning touchdown. The Rams' defense managed to record two sacks in this contest.

The Rams may have the return of star receiver Cooper Kupp, who was previously on the injured reserve list due to a preseason hamstring injury. Despite Kupp's absence, veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford has been exceptional, ranking 2nd in the league with an average of 288 passing yards per game. The Rams' offense averages 24.5 points per game, and Stafford has found a new favorite target in rookie Puka Nacua, who leads all rookies in receiving yards.

While the Rams have adopted a pass-heavy approach, Stafford's completion rate of 62% ranks 26th in the league. However, they have been efficient in the red zone, sitting at 10th in red zone success. Running back Kyren Williams has contributed to the ground game, scoring two touchdowns and gaining 103 rushing yards.

Rams' Defensive Strengths and Weaknesses

Defensively, the Rams allow an average of 21.3 points per game, placing them in the middle of the pack. What's helped the defense tremendously has been their dogged 3rd down defense, where the opponent's to move the chains on just 26% of their tries. This trend continued as the Rams held Indianapolis to 3-10 on 3rd downs. While the Rams have been solid on 3rd downs, the red zone woes continued as the Colts were a perfect 2-2 inside the 20-yard line. On the season, foes are coming away with scores on 70% of their tries in the red zone. The pass defense has been their bread and butter with opposing quarterbacks completing 56% of their throws, which is 2nd in the league. The run defense hasn't been as effective as they are allowing 4.4 yards per carry. Colts QB Anthony Richardson was able to run for over 50 yards and a score, which could pose problems for the defense with Jalen Hurts' mobility.

Injury Report

Eagles: DB Sydney Brown, WR Britain Covey, DT Fletcher Cox, C Cam Jurgens, and DT Marlon Tuipulotu are questionable, while DB Justin Evans and WR Quez Watkins are probable to play.

Rams: OL Alaric Jackson, RB Kyren Williams, WR Cooper Kupp, and LB Ochaun Mathis are questionable, with TE Tyler Higbee listed as probable.

Prediction: