📸 Image Credit: Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams collide in Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season in what feels like an early NFC playoff preview. Both teams enter the contest unbeaten at 2-0, and both are loaded with star power on offense and defense. With Lincoln Financial Field serving as the stage, fans should prepare for a game defined by physicality, big plays, and playoff-like intensity.
Match Details
Setting the Stage
The Eagles and Rams are no strangers to high-stakes meetings. Last season, they met in the divisional round of the playoffs, where Saquon Barkley ripped off two long touchdown runs, including 78 and 62 yards, to propel Philadelphia to a thrilling win. That game still resonates with Rams fans, making this rematch not only a test of strength but also a matter of pride.
This year, both teams have started hot. The Eagles, behind their punishing ground game and relentless defensive line, look like one of the NFC’s most complete rosters. The Rams, meanwhile, have reloaded on offense with Matthew Stafford, Davante Adams, and Puka Nacua forming one of the league’s most dangerous passing trios.
Oddsmakers reflect how close this game could be. Philadelphia is listed as a 3.5-point favorite at home, with the over/under hovering around 44.5 points. Those numbers hint at a tightly contested matchup where both defenses are expected to make life difficult.
How the Eagles Have Looked So Far
The Eagles’ formula has been straightforward but highly effective. Offensively, the team is built around its dominant offensive line and Saquon Barkley’s ability to wear down defenses. Through two games, Barkley has consistently moved the chains, allowing Jalen Hurts to operate in favorable situations. While Philadelphia’s passing attack hasn’t fully clicked yet, having Barkley in rhythm takes the pressure off Hurts and opens up opportunities for A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
Defensively, Philadelphia remains one of the league’s most feared units. Their pass rush is relentless, and they’ve been stout against the run. The secondary, however, has shown some vulnerability, which the Rams will almost certainly look to exploit.
How the Rams Have Looked So Far
Los Angeles has taken a slightly different approach. Their offense has leaned heavily on Stafford’s arm and the ability of Adams and Nacua to create mismatches. Adams, acquired to be a true WR1, has delivered early, while Nacua continues to shine as one of the league’s best young receivers. Together, they stretch defenses vertically and horizontally, forcing opponents to cover every inch of the field.
On defense, the Rams have quietly been one of the stingiest units in the league. They’ve limited opponents through disciplined coverage and timely pressure. The concern, however, comes with depth in the secondary, especially with injuries thinning the lineup. Against an Eagles offense that thrives on balance, that could prove costly.
Key Matchups
Eagles’ Run Game vs. Rams’ Front Seven
This is the matchup that will likely define the game. Philadelphia thrives when Barkley can dominate early downs, setting up play-action opportunities for Hurts. If the Rams can bottle him up, they force Hurts into more obvious passing situations, where pressure can disrupt timing.
Rams’ Receivers vs. Eagles’ Secondary
Stafford’s connection with Adams and Nacua has been electric, and this week presents another chance to shine. Philadelphia’s secondary has been banged up, making this a clear area for Los Angeles to exploit. If the Rams receivers get loose for big plays, the Eagles will find themselves under pressure.
Quarterback Play
Both Hurts and Stafford are proven leaders, but they win in different ways. Hurts brings dual-threat ability, extending drives with his legs and opening up designed runs. Stafford, meanwhile, is the prototypical pocket passer who thrives on precision and timing. Whichever quarterback stays cleaner in the pocket could tilt the game in his team’s favor.
The Trenches
Football games are often won up front, and this matchup is no exception. The Eagles boast one of the best offensive and defensive lines in football. The Rams, dealing with injuries to the offensive line, will have to find ways to slow down Philadelphia’s pass rush while creating lanes for their running backs.
Injury Report
- Eagles: Tight end Dallas Goedert is set to return, giving Hurts a reliable middle-of-the-field target. Rookie RB Will Shipley remains sidelined.
- Rams: Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon is out with an injury, creating a major challenge for the secondary. Guard Steve Avila is doubtful, which could impact Stafford’s protection.
Keys to Victory
- Philadelphia Eagles: Run the ball effectively with Barkley, avoid turnovers, and capitalize on mismatches against the Rams’ depleted secondary.
- Los Angeles Rams: Force Hurts into third-and-long situations, generate turnovers, and let Stafford attack the Eagles’ secondary with Adams and Nacua.
Betting Insights
From a betting perspective, this game is fascinating. The Eagles are 3.5-point favorites, but that line reflects how much respect oddsmakers have for the Rams’ ability to compete. Many bettors lean toward the under 44.5 points, expecting two disciplined defenses to limit explosive scoring.
- Spread Pick: Eagles -3.5 (home-field advantage plus Barkley’s consistency make the difference).
- Over/Under Pick: Under 44.5 (defensive pressure and clock control could keep scoring down).
- Player to Watch for Props: Saquon Barkley rushing yards — if he breaks early runs, it changes everything.
Our Prediction
This matchup has all the ingredients of a playoff game: star power, physical football, and a razor-thin margin between victory and defeat. The Rams will move the ball through the air, and Stafford will connect with Adams and Nacua for big plays. But the Eagles’ ability to control tempo with Barkley, combined with their defensive line’s ability to pressure Stafford, should be enough to carry them at home.
- Final Score Prediction: Eagles 27, Rams 20
- We expect Philadelphia to cover the spread while the total stays under.
Why This Game Matters
Beyond Week 3, this game could have long-term consequences in the NFC playoff picture. Both teams expect to be in the postseason hunt, and head-to-head results can determine seeding come January. For the Eagles, a win reaffirms their dominance in the NFC East and their ability to handle elite opponents. For the Rams, an upset would announce them as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Fans will see two of the most talented rosters in football collide in a contest that could very well be a preview of another playoff showdown later this season.
