NFC heavyweights collide on Sunday night when the Los Angeles Rams host the Philadelphia Eagles for a week 15 showdown. Both the Eagles and Rams were playoff teams a season ago, but it is likely that just one of them will reach the 2018 playoffs. There will be plenty of star power on the field for this game, but a key player will be missing.
The Philadelphia Eagles are clinging to playoff hope with a 6-7 record this season. The Eagles suffered a crushing overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys in week 14 and now need to win out to reach the playoffs. Los Angeles also suffered a loss in week 14 after getting absolutely dominated by the Chicago Bears. The Rams still have an 11-2 record and are battling with the Saints for the top seed in the NFC. Los Angeles is an 11.5 point favorite over the Eagles in this game.
Rams Need Offense To Return
The Rams have one of the top offenses in the NFL this season, but they were shut down in the loss to the Bears. Los Angeles managed just six points against Chicago, and quarterback Jared Goff threw a career-high four interceptions. The Rams are averaging a whopping 32.7 points per game this season and will need that kind of performance to beat a solid Philadelphia defense.
There are a few Rams that will have extra motivation in this game. Running back Todd Gurley is battling Ezekiel Elliott for the NFL rushing title. Gurley comes into this game with 1,203 rushing yards and has scored 19 combined touchdowns this season. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald needs just 6.5 sacks to break the single-season record for most sacks. Donald comes into this game with 16.5 but didn’t record one in the week 14 loss.
Foles Set to Start For Eagles
The Eagles are coming into this game with a huge disadvantage as starting quarterback Carson Wentz is out with a fractured vertebrae. Philadelphia will be forced to start Nick Foles against the Rams, but Foles has had success in the past. The Super Bowl MVP will try to lead an offense that is averaging just 21.6 points per game this season.
Establishing a running game could be the key to the Eagles success in this game. Philadelphia is averaging just 98 rushing yards per game this season, but they need to run the ball to control time of possession on Sunday night. Rookie running back Josh Adams has been playing well for the Eagles, averaging five yards per carry. The Eagles will have to score points if they are going to keep up with the Rams.
Rams Win Close Game
The Rams offense has looked pedestrian in the last two weeks, but they should return to form at home on Sunday night. Los Angeles will face a solid Eagles defense in this game, and they need quarterback Jared Goff to play better than he has of late. Philadelphia has been a mess on offense all season, and things won’t be any easier without Wentz. The Rams should win this game on Sunday, but the Eagles won’t make it easy. Look for Philadelphia to put up a great fight with their playoff hopes on the line. Take the points and bet on the Eagles +11.5 to keep it close against the Rams.
