In what was a highly anticipated matchup coming into the season, the Eagles travel cross country to take on the Rams. The Eagles lead the all time series 21-19-1, and the Eagles have won 5 straight including a 43-35 win last season in LA.
Last week, the Eagles dropped a 29-23 game to their division rival Cowboys in OT. In week 12, they beat the Giants 25-22, and beat the Redskins 28-13 in week 13.
The Rams uncharacteristically were held without a TD last week in a 15-6 loss in Chicago. In week 11, they beat the Chiefs 54-51, had a bye week in week 12, and beat the Lions 30-16 in week 13
BetOnline has the Rams as 11.5 point favourite at home with an O/U of 52.5.
It is looking unlikely that Carson Wentz will play this weekend due to back problems, which means the Eagles will be rolling with Nick Foles at QB. Foles started the first 2 games of the season while Wentz was recovering from ACL surgery, and threw for 451 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT in that time with a completion percentage of receiving with 1016 yards and 6 TDs on 98 catches. Nelson Agholor (53/572/1) and Alshon Jeffery (49/542/5) provide supporting production as well. On the ground, Josh Adams is established as the lead rusher, carrying 83 times for 412 yards and 2 TDs, while Wendell Smallwood and Darren Sproles rotate in.
The Eagles scoring defense ranks just above average, allowing 22.7 PPG. Their pass defense ranks near the bottom of the league, allowing 277.4 yards per game and 20 TDs through the air, while their pass rush ranks above average with 34 sacks. Their run D ranks top 10, allowing 106.6 yards per game and 10 TDs on the ground. The Philadelphia defense has forced just 12 turnovers, and the team owns a -6 turnover differential
Injuries and Inactive Watch
QB Carson Wentz (back) – doubtful
CB Jalen Mills (foot) – placed on IR
CB Sidney Jones (hamstring) – questionable
EDGE Michael Bennett (foot) – questionable
The Rams will look to bounce back after an all around poor offensive performance last week, especially Jared Goff who threw a career high 4 INTs. On the year, Goff has thrown for 3934 yards, 27 TDs, and 11 INTs while completing 64.4% of his passes and averaging 8.6 YPA. Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods are both over 1000 yards receiving, with 66/1048/3 and 71/1032/5 respectively. Todd Gurley also factors into the pass game with 49 catches for 504 yards and 4 TDs. On the ground, Gurley has rushed for 1203 yards and 15 TDs on 244 carries.
The Rams defense ranks just below average in point allowed, giving up 24.1 PPG. Their pass defense ranks just above average, allowing 237.5 yards per game and 27 TDs through the air, while their pass rush ranks above average with 34 sacks. Their run defense ranks below average with 124.2 yards per game and 8 TDs allowed on the ground. The Rams defense has forced 25 turnovers, and owns a +10 turnover differential.
Injuries and Inactive Watch
No Significant Injuries
The Eagles have to be feeling the heat right now, as another loss surely knocks them out of the playoff race. We saw what Nick Foles could do on that Super Bowl run last season, but how much of that is to be attributed to the now-departed Frank Reich? Foles did not look great at the beginning of the year, and the Rams defense is playing much better the last 2 weeks. They match up with the Eagles receivers very well in the secondary, and will take a committee approach to shutting down Zack Ertz. The run game will be a factor as it is proven to be the Achilles heel of this Rams D, but will not be a killer.
The Rams offense, most notably Jared Goff, has struggled the last 2 weeks and looks to bounce back against a replacement level Philly secondary. Look for Sean McVay to dial it up to get Goff back on track as they head down the final stretch of this season. The Eagles front 4 has the potential to wreak havoc, and the Rams O-Line will need a better showing this week to keep Goff clean. Todd Gurley faces a tough matchup in the run game, but will surely be a focal point as he was fazed out of the gameplan last week. In the end, 11.5 points is a bit too rich, but the Rams should win this one by a touchdown
Final Pick: Eagles (+11.5)
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