RAMS (2-0) at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (2-0)
When: 10 a.m. Sunday
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
TV/Radio: FOX (Ch. 11)/710 AM; 93.1 FM; 1330 AM (Spanish); Sirius 383, 228
Line: Eagles by 3.5
Notable injury designations
Rams: DOUBTFUL: LG Steve Avila (ankle); QUESTIONABLE: DE Braden Fiske (oblique), TE Colby Parkinson (AC joint).
Eagles: OUT: RB Will Shipley (oblique); QUESTIONABLE: QB Tanner McKee (right thumb).
What’s at stake? The Rams have the opportunity to avenge last year’s playoff loss to the Eagles, and prove they belong in the conversation of the NFC’s top teams. The Eagles can continue their undefeated start to the year, and their streak dating to September of winning every game that quarterback Jalen Hurts has played in full.
Who’s better? The slight edge at the moment goes to the Eagles, because they beat the Rams twice last year and until the Rams prove otherwise, Philadelphia gets the nod. But the Rams do have the more explosive offense through two games this season, and made moves this offseason – signing linebacker Nate Landman and defensive tackle Poona Ford, namely – to offset the Eagles’ advantage in the run game behind Saquon Barkley.
Matchup to watch: Rams’ run defense vs. Eagles’ rushing attack. This was the battle that determined the last two matchups between these teams, and with the Eagles struggling to move the ball through the air this season, that should not change. Ford’s job up front is to occupy multiple blockers to free up Landman and Omar Speights to fill the gaps and meet Barkley near the line of scrimmage. Outside linebackers Jared Verse and Byron Young have to keep containment, and safeties have to be ready to contain any leaks.
Rams win if: They don’t allow Barkley any “explosive” runs – gains of 10 yards or more. … WRs Davante Adams and Puka Nacua again combine for more than 200 yards of total offense. … The Rams convert more than 60% of their red-zone opportunities into touchdowns.
Fantasy sleeper: Rams running back Blake Corum showed he can have a role in this offense even with Kyren Williams retaining the lead role. He has flex potential, especially if he starts to get more goal-line opportunities.
Prediction: Eagles 23, Rams 20. Beat writer’s record: 2-0 on the season, 2-0 against the spread.
