The Los Angeles Rams are one of the hottest teams in the National Football League as they prepare to visit the Philadelphia Eagles. Los Angeles looked lifeless to begin the season with a 1-4 start. They then went 9-3 to end the year and won the NFC West. The last team to make the NFL Playoffs after a 1-4 start was the 2018 Indianapolis Colts. They would lose to the Kanas City Chiefs 31-13 in Patrick Mahomes’ second career playoff game. Los Angeles hopes to not suffer that same fate against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Los Angeles followed up a great regular season with arguably their best game of the season in the Wild Card Round against the Minnesota Vikings. LA’s defense put together a historic performance sacking Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Sam Darnold nine times and holding the high-flying offense to 9 points. Will the Los Angeles Rams continue playing well as they try to punch their ticket to the NFC Championship Game?
Los Angeles Rams Face An Uphill Battle
After a rough start to the season, the Rams are rolling!
Do they have what it takes to win it all? pic.twitter.com/6X3y7FxNiN
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 15, 2025
Los Angeles heads east to face the Philadelphia Eagles in a game that will be frigid and snowy. These teams faced off in Los Angeles earlier this year and the Eagles won 37-20. Running Back Saquon Barkley was spectacular in that contest. He finished with a career-high 255 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. The Rams defense, 22nd during the regular season at stopping the run, must corral Barkley this time around.
The path to a Rams victory is to force Quarterback Jalen Hurts to beat them in the passing game. Philadelphia’s passing game has been much-maligned by star Wide Receiver A.J. Brown. Brown has been widely discussed this week for reading a book in the middle of Sunday’s win against the Green Bay Packers. Brown also mentioned last month the offense needs to improve its passing.
Final Thoughts
With some uncertainly surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles, the Los Angeles Rams have a golden opportunity on Sunday afternoon. They have the clear edge at head coach with Sean McVay and at quarterback with Matthew Stafford. Stafford is one of the best postseason performers in league history and Los Angeles has momentum on its side heading into the marquee matchup.
