The Rams travel to Philadelphia this Sunday in an 2025 NFC Divisional Round rematch against the Eagles. In that snowy January classic, Saquon Barkley ran rampant, as the Eagles defeated the Rams and ultimately went on to win the Super Bowl.
Both teams have started off the new 2025 season strong, winning their first two matchups.
The Rams defeated the Texans in their season opener and then travelled to Tennessee where they took down rookie Cam Ward and the Titans. The Eagles defeated their division rival, the Dallas Cowboys, in the NFL season-opener as well as the Chiefs in an intense Super Bowl rematch.
But, only one team can remain unbeaten after this week, barring a tie.
Here are three ways that the Rams can slow down and top the Eagles.
Limit the run game
Barkley ran for over 200 yards in their previous matchup last January including a 62-yard and 78-yard touchdown. Barkley is a machine in both the rushing and receiving game, tallying up nearly 3,000 total yards last season including the playoffs.
His teammate, quarterback Jalen Hurts, had an MVP caliber season last year as well, leading the Eagles to their second Super Bowl win in franchise history.
Part of what makes Hurts so dominant is his versatility. He is as equally dangerous with his legs as he is with his arm.
However, this season, Hurts has not thrown the ball with the same confidence as he did just one season ago, throwing for only 253 yards through the first two games.
If the Rams can find a way to slow down Hurts and Barkley on the ground, and force Hurts to throw the ball, they can limit the overall production of the offense, setting themselves up for success.
Protect Matthew Stafford
Now in his 17th year in the NFL, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is still playing at an elite level. Pairing his talent with the dangerous receiving duo of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, Stafford has the ability to be a potential MVP candidate this season.
Last week, Stafford targeted Adams 13 times and the veteran wideout had over 100 yards, scoring his first touchdown as a member of the Rams.
Nacua has also started the season strong, as he leads the league in receptions with 18 and has already raked in 221 receiving yards. In their playoff matchup last season, Nacua had a huge impact, catching six of his 14 targets for 97 yards against Philadelphia.
One reason for his great game was due to Philadelphia’s elite run defense limiting Rams running back Kyren Williams.
With Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis jamming the middle, Williams may have a hard time navigating and getting past the line of scrimmage and making a big impact.
With the run game limited, the Rams passing attack has the opportunity to be lethal. If the Rams’ offensive line gives Matthew Stafford enough time and protection in the pocket to get the ball to his playmakers, then the Rams have a great shot at torching the Eagles’ secondary.
Protect the football
The Eagles’ defense forced 26 turnovers last season, the sixth-most in the entire NFL and already forced two this season.
In their previous matchup, the Rams committed two turnovers that proved to be costly. Two fourth-quarter fumbles — by Williams and Stafford — on back-to-back drives to open the quarter, led to two Eagles field goals, proving to be the difference in LA’s 28-22 loss.
Last season, Stafford threw only eight interceptions in 18 games played, the lowest of his career in such a span.
If the Rams can secure and keep possession of the football, keeping their defense off the field and allowing their offense to operate smoothly, then there is a great chance they can go into Week 4 at 3-0.