The Eagles travel to LA for a matchup with an elite Rams team as they try to lock up the number one seed. The Eagles, on the other hand, are clinging to slim playoff hopes as Nick Foles gets the start. Here are the crew’s predictions for the game:
ALEX WHITNEY (9-4)
The Eagles and Rams meet on Sunday Night Football in a game at that could be a bloodbath. Last season, the birds faced this same team in a game where Carson Wentz was injured and Nick Foles led them to victory. They are going to need a St. Nick miracle to beat one of the best teams in the NFC this season. The Rams offense was stagnant last week against the Bears, and if the Eagles have any chance they will need to stop Todd Gurley as the Bears defense did. All in all, I believe it will be too much for them in the end.
Final Prediction: Eagles 17, Rams 34
Eric Fenstermaker (6-7)
The Rams and the Eagles couldn’t be further apart. LA’s offense ranks 3rd in yards per game, points per game, and total points. Todd Gurley and Jared Goff highlight the two-headed monster that is the dynamic Rams offense. Despite the loss of Cooper Kupp, the Rams offense has put up 23 or more points every week, except against the Bears. The Eagles defense has been decimated by injury, especially in the secondary, and they give up an average of 22.7 points per game and 384 yards per game. The Eagles are going to have their work cut out for them trying to stop one of the most dominant offenses in the league, especially on the road. Nick Foles will be at the helm for the Eagles pass attack and will be looking to repeat the magic he captured last year. Josh Adams will need to be involved heavily to keep the Rams defense off balance and the offensive line for the Eagles must block well or Aaron Donald and the Rams defensive line will obliterate Foles. I still believe that Foles is the best backup quarterback in the league, but this may be the worst game in the league for him to be the first one he starts since week two. I believe in St. Nick Foles, but with injuries and the sheer talent of the Rams, I just can’t see the Eagles getting a victory here. Don’t count the Eagles out for the rest of the season though; I still believe there is gas in the tank for the defending Super Bowl champions.
Final Prediction: Eagles 20, Rams 26
KEVIN MEANS (6-7)
After last week’s fiasco against the Cowboys, there are many people that believe the Eagles are done but I came away with a different feeling. Outside of the offense for the first half, the whole team played very well in my opinion. Jared Goff and the Rams have also slowed down slightly. Ever since Cooper Kupp’s season-ending injury, they haven’t quite been able to move the ball the same way (excluding the KC game). Believe it or not, the Eagles do have a chance this week against the Rams. Their best bet is to take away Todd Gurley and the running game make Jared Goff beat you. That is exactly what the Bears did last week and Goff threw 4 interceptions. Nick Foles was finally starting to get the ball moving when Carson Wentz came back this year but this is a great week for him to come in. The Rams defense is leaky at best and very susceptible to the big play. Finding Golden Tate in space will help Foles out and I would also expect to see a lot more of Darren Sproles. Both teams are coming off of tough losses but if Doug Pederson is anything, he is a great motivator and I believe the Eagles bounce back and steal this win away from the Rams, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Final Prediction: Eagles 31, Rams 28
TYLER EDGERTON (5-8)
The Eagles will be fired up after a tough loss to Dallas last week. However, with injuries continuing to pile up, the team just is not on the same level as the other contenders in the NFC. The only shot the Eagles have of pulling this off is if they keep Todd Gurley under 100 yards and out of the end zone. Traveling across the country is always tough, no matter what time the game is. I expect Foles to look half-way decent as the offense the Eagles have been running is really catered to a QB like Foles, and not Carson. With Philadelphia a double-digit underdog, I just don’t see them being able to compete tonight unless the give Foles enough time against a fantastic interior pass rush. The defense will continue to struggle if they do not find ways to get pressure against offenses.
Final Prediction: Eagles 20, Buccaneers 34
