Eagles-Rams Game Preview: Who Will Win in Week 3?
The Philadelphia Eagles will host the Los Angeles Rams as two of the top teams in the NFC will face off in Week 3. After the Eagles won both matchups against the Rams last season, Los Angeles is traveling across the country to get revenge.
The Eagles have won nine of their last 10 matchups against the Rams. Eagles HC Nick Sirianni is 3-0 against Rams HC Sean McVay. Yet it’s clear that Los Angeles is still regarded as one of the top teams in the NFC.
Rams second-year edge rusher Jared Verse ruffled some feathers prior to the playoff game against the Eagles last season. Verse said that he hated Eagles’ fans and they were “so annoying.”
Yet after falling short in the postseason, Verse changed his tune about Eagles’ fans in the offseason. Verse praised Philadelphia’s fan base for their passion, but I doubt he’ll receive a warm welcome in the City of Brotherly Love.
After two matchups and Verse’s comments, the rivalry between the Eagles and Rams has certainly heated up over the last 10 months. Here’s my full game preview for the rematch that many have been waiting for in Week 3.
Three Storylines To Follow
Can Philadelphia’s Passing Offense Be Fixed?
Despite a 2-0 start to the regular season, the hot topic in Philadelphia is the Eagles’ struggles on offense. Jalen Hurts has thrown for just 253 passing yards through the first two weeks of the regular season, the second-fewest behind New York Jets QB Justin Fields.
While Philadelphia’s passing woes are nothing new in the City of Brotherly Love, many have been quick to hit the panic button. Eagles first-year OC Kevin Patullo has been the main target of criticism, despite this inconsistency pre-dating his tenure as Philadelphia’s play-caller.
Yet things won’t get any easier for Hurts and Patullo in Week 3. The Rams have allowed the fourth-fewest total yards per game (258.5) and the fourth-fewest passing yards per game (147.0). Los Angeles also has the best scoring defense in the NFL, allowing just 14.0 points per game.
If the Eagles can get their passing attack back on track against such a stout unit, it would help alleviate a lot of the concerns in Philadelphia. While it will be a tough challenge, the Eagles certainly have the talent to move the ball through the air in Week 3.
Trench Warfare: Who Will Win on the Lines?
In the last matchup between the Eagles and the Rams, Los Angeles’ pass rush got the better of Philadelphia’s normally stout offensive line. The Rams sacked Hurts seven times in their playoff loss to the Eagles, proving that their young defensive front is a massive challenge.
Los Angeles’ pass rush is off to a hot start through the first two weeks of the regular season, as they have recorded eight sacks (second-most in the NFL). Meanwhile, Landon Dickerson and Jordan Mailata have combined to allow nine total pressures in two games, according to Pro Football Focus.
While the Rams have been able to record eight sacks in two games, the Eagles’ defense has recorded just two sacks. Although it’s worth noting that Philadelphia’s pass rush has been very close on several other plays. The Eagles also played without Jalen Carter in Week 1.
This could be the week where Philadelphia’s pass rush gets going, as the Rams will likely be without starting LG Steven Avila. Justin Dedich replaced Avila in Week 2 and allowed two pressures against the Tennessee Titans, according to PFF.
Can Adoree’ Jackson Handle Puka Nacua and Davante Adams?
Outside of Philadelphia’s passing struggles, the second biggest concern is the play of starting CB Adoree’ Jackson. After allowing 103 yards when targeted in Week 1, Jackson bounced back against lesser competition last week.
Yet that won’t be the case against the Rams, as Jackson will likely be tasked with defending Puka Nacua or Davante Adams. Jackson has defended both players throughout his NFL career and has certainly struggled in those matchups.
In 2023, Jackson was tasked with covering Nacua while playing for the New York Giants. Jackson allowed over 80 yards in coverage against Nacua on just two receptions, while Nacua dropped his two other targets. Eagles DC Vic Fangio will certainly have to give Jackson some extra help in Week 3.
Two Underrated Players To Watch For
Za’Darius Smith
The Eagles told Za’Darius Smith that they wanted him to fill the void created by Brandon Graham’s retirement. In 2024, Graham was enjoying a dominant performance against the Rams in Week 12 before tearing his triceps.
In just 21 pass rushing snaps, Graham recorded four total pressures against the Rams. Now it’s time for Smith to have a similar performance off the bench for the Eagles against Los Angeles.
Smith made a strong debut for the Eagles in Week 2, as he recorded two total pressures in just 14 pass rushing snaps. If Smith can have a similar performance against the Rams this week, it would help slow down Matthew Stafford and Los Angeles’ passing attack.
Nate Landman
After being torched on the ground by the Eagles last season, Los Angeles made a sneaky addition at LB in the offseason. Nate Landman signed a one-year deal for the veteran minimum of just $1.1 million. Yet Landman has quickly outperformed his contract in Los Angeles.
Landman was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 1, after he recorded 10 total tackles and a game-winning forced fumble against the Houston Texans. The 26-year-old LB is off to a hot start and could be a huge factor against Philadelphia in Week 3.
One Key Matchup To Monitor
A.J. Brown vs. Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
Before being claimed by the Rams, Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders. Yet just a few weeks into his rookie season, Forbes was embarrassed by Eagles star WR A.J. Brown.
Brown hauled in six receptions on 10 targets for 147 yards, five first downs and two touchdowns while covered by Forbes. Brown’s performance caused Forbes to lose confidence and eventually led to his benching in Washington.
Now Forbes is in Los Angeles and looks like a completely different CB. Yet it’s fair to wonder if Forbes will come crashing back down to earth against Brown. After a slow start to the regular season, this matchup could be exactly what Philadelphia’s struggling passing offense needs.
Underdog Pick’em Plays for Eagles-Rams
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Final Score Predictions
Josh’s Pick: Eagles 24, Rams 21
Once again, another week and another familiar foe. However, unlike Kansas City and Dallas, the Rams enter the matchup with a whole lot of momentum and hype. Unfortunately that will come to a halt on Sunday in Philly because Vic Fangio has Sean McVay’s number and the Eagles always seem to play their best when external doubts start to creep in.
Anthony’s Pick: Eagles 27, Rams 17
Following a somewhat unimpressive 2-0 start, many have been quick to doubt the Eagles. Yet Philadelphia has often exceeded expectations when they begin to be questioned by the masses. While the Rams are off to a hot start, the Eagles will send a message to the rest of the NFL with a double-digit victory in Week 3.