Eagles vs. Rams: Undefeated Clash, Final Score Prediction Revealed
PHILADELPHIA – Nine teams entered Week 3 of the NFL season at 2-0. The Bills became the league’s first 3-0 squad with their Thursday night win over the Dolphins, and by Sunday afternoon, at least one more team will stay unbeaten when the Eagles and Rams collide at Lincoln Financial Field.
Here’s the countdown to kickoff, ending with my final score prediction:
5… PLAYERS TO WATCH
Saquon Barkley. Will this be his long-awaited first 100-yard rushing game of the year? The Rams’ run defense gave up a staggering 460 yards in just two games last season. Feeding Barkley 25+ carries could be the key to controlling the tempo and keeping Matthew Stafford off the field.
Jalen Hurts. The Eagles’ star QB has won 16 straight games he’s started and finished. But with zero touchdown passes so far this season, he may need to break the seal against the Rams to extend that streak.
Matthew Stafford. At 37, the 2009 No. 1 overall pick hasn’t lost a step. Ranked as the league’s seventh-best passer, Stafford brings veteran savvy. As WR Britain Covey put it, “There’s nothing you can throw at him that he hasn’t seen.”
A.J. Brown. Practically invisible through two weeks. This matchup could be his breakout moment — and the Eagles need him.
Za’Darius Smith. Signed just days before Week 2, the veteran edge rusher made his presence felt immediately with four tackles and half a sack in just 20 snaps. Philly will count on him again to pressure Stafford.
4… NUMBERS THAT MATTER
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0: Eagles turnovers this season, tied for the fewest in the NFL.
3: Jake Elliott’s field goals from 50+ yards (on 3 attempts), after going just 1-for-7 last year.
11: Straight wins at Lincoln Financial Field, the longest streak in stadium history.
18-1: Eagles’ record in their last 19 games, with the only loss coming vs. Washington in a game Hurts left early due to a concussion.
3… KEY MATCHUPS
Eagles pass rush vs. Rams offensive line. Stafford is lethal if he has time. Philly must disrupt him. The Rams’ guard Steve Avila is doubtful, which could tilt the trenches.
Jordan Mailata vs. Jared Verse. The Defensive Rookie of the Year had two sacks against Philly in last year’s playoffs. Expect him to line up mostly over Mailata, with some snaps vs. Lane Johnson. Braden Fiske’s injury status looms large for L.A.
Quinyon Mitchell & Adoree’ Jackson vs. Puka Nacua & Davante Adams. Fangio’s corners face one of the toughest assignments of Week 3. Double coverage? Rotations? Something creative will be required to keep both Rams stars under 100 yards.
2… FACTS TO KNOW
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Jordan Davis leads all DTs with three passes defensed and ranks second in tackles (11).
Rookie LB Jihaad Campbell is Pro Football Focus’s highest-graded defender with an elite 83.7 grade.
1… PREDICTION
Many expect the Eagles’ secondary to fold against the Rams’ WR duo. I’m zagging. A disruptive pass rush, Barkley’s first 100-yard day, and bounce-back games from A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith set the stage.
Jake Elliott nails a 55-yard dagger in the final two minutes to seal it.
Prediction: Eagles 27, Rams 23
(Season record: 1-1)
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