Playoff Preview, Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles Prediction, and Betting Lines
Pete Fiutak originally wrote this on College Football News. It was last modified on January 15, 2025, at 1:42 AM ET.
The Los Angeles Rams played a razor-sharp game on both sides in their 27-9 Wild Card victory over the Vikings, which wasn’t even that close, despite all of the real-life horrors and distractions, the move from home base to Arizona, and having to contend with a Minnesota team that was just one victory away from being the first seed.
In a 22–10 victory that wasn’t even close, the Eagles had no trouble defeating Green Bay in their Wild Card game. They must now attempt to replicate their 37–20 victory over Los Angeles in Week 12.
The victor advances to the NFC Championship matchup between Detroit and Washington.
Preview of the Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles game and how to watch the NFC Divisional Playoff
Date: January 19, 2025, Sunday
Time of the Game: 3:00 PM ET
How to View: NBC
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s Lincoln Financial Field
Teams: Los Angeles Rams (10-7) against Philadelphia Eagles (14-3).
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The Los Angeles Rams’ Reasons for Winning
One of the Rams’ best games of the season came at a perfect time.
There was nothing going on on the ground, the D was swarming, and the pass rush started against Sam Darnold and the Vikings. Los Angeles had a season-high 314 running yards given up in the first encounter.
The passing game was long for the ride when Saquon Barkley went off, but that was an exception. Forget it if the Eagles start running on the ground.
Everything else should work, though, if the defensive front can put pressure on Jalen Hurts and the Rams’ own running attack can reach 100 yards. That should relieve some of the load on Matthew Stafford.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ Reason for Winning
The Eagles are not making mistakes.
Early on, turnovers were a major problem; they occurred in small bursts, and that has been the extent of the problem. Seven of the last nine games have seen the offense not turn it over, and since October 27th, the team’s turnover margin has been an absurd +21.
At the very least, the Eagles won’t be beaten in the category, but the Rams don’t have a turnover issue—just three since mid-November. To do this, Los Angeles may require some assistance from Philadelphia’s blunders.
Barkley looks fresh, and Hurts will be far more decisive than Darnold was in the Arizona Wild Card round. A potted plant would make judgments more quickly than 14 did in that situation.
Who Will Win Between the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams?
On third downs, the Eagle defense is too strong.
The Rams’ inability to convert third down opportunities and hit midrange throws was somewhat obscured by the victory over the Vikings.
Although Philadelphia may not put enough pressure on Stafford to make a difference, it will maintain Cooper Kupp in the witness protection program that he appears to have joined weeks ago and should be able to limit the number of midrange compilations.
Although there will be a bit of an offensive display, the Eagles will play workmanlike. Again, pay attention to the third down conversions on both sides; moving the chains will complete the task.