Rams vs Eagles Predictions: LA can keep this competitive
A fascinating match-up takes place at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday night (20:00, live on Sky Sports Main Event) as the Philadelphia Eagles host the Los Angeles Rams.
Philly have home advantage as the two-seed in the NFC and went 8-1 at home during the regular season, while the Rams produced one of the more impressive performances of Wildcard Weekend, recording a 27-9 victory over Minnesota. Read on for my Rams vs Eagles prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.
Team News
Tight end Dallas Goedert was added to Philly's injury report with an illness and did not participate in Thursday's practice, so he may miss out on Sunday.
A.J. Brown continues to manage a knee problem and has been on the practice field in limited capacity this week, and Kenny Pickett (ribs) and defensive tackle Byron Young (hamstring) will both be absent come Sunday. That apart, the Eagles should have a fully fit roster for this contest.
As for the Rams, head coach Sean McVay on Thursday said he expects tight end Tyler Higbee (chest), cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (thigh), nose tackle Bobby Brown III (shoulder) and offensive lineman Alaric Jackson (chest) to feature on this weekend despite their injuries.
The Eagles are 1/3 favourites on the moneyline, giving them an implied win probability of 75%, while the Rams are 11/5 to cause an upset at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.
The spread is currently set at 5.5, and it's 5/6 for the Eagles (-5.5) to cover and the Rams (+5.5) are 20/21 to do the same.
The total points line has been set at 43.5, and it's 10/11 to back the under and the same price if you're taking the over.
Rams +5.5 @ 20/21
Perhaps this is a far-fetched pick given the home advantage Philly will have, but I fancy LA to cover the spread on Sunday.
Granted, there could be nothing left in the tank for the Rams after their heroic victory over the Vikings, but McVay's side have looked better as the season has gone on.
Since they lost to the Eagles 37-20 in Week 12, LA haven't looked back with their only subsequent loss coming against the Seattle Seahawks when they rested their starters in Week 18.
Jalen Hurts has been inconsistent this term and he'll need to be on his game against a Rams defence that sacked Sam Arnold nine times last week. Nakobe Dean's season-ending injury looks to be a significant loss for the Eagles defence, too.
I think LA will need a minor miracle to advance to the next round, but I certainly think they have the weapons to keep this contest competitive and cover the spread.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Saquon Barkley to score first touchdown @ 19/5
Saquon Barkley was the star of the show in the Eagles' aforementioned victory over the Rams back in Week 12, and he's enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in Philly's colours.
The former New York Giant recorded over 2,000 rushing yards in the regular season, averaging 125.3 per game. The Rams are understandably going to concentrate their efforts on slowing down the running back, and they did a solid job on Minnesota's Aaron Jones last week, limiting the 30-year-old to just 48 rushing yards.
I think the Rams can do a better job of keeping Barkley under tabs this time round - he had 255 rushing yards in the Week 12 match-up against LA - but he's simply too good to stop completely.
Barkley scored the first touchdown in five matches during the regular season, so rather than back him to score anytime at odds-on value (4/7), I'm backing the 27-year-old to open the scoring on Sunday.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Offers
Saturday: Place an In-Play single bet of £10 or more at odds of 1/2+ on Texans @ Chiefs or Commanders @ Lions and get £5 in Free Bets to use In-Play on Ravens @ Bills or Rams @ Eagles. (Credited upon Bet Settlement)
Saturday: Place a PickYourPunt bet (2/1+) on Texans @ Chiefs or Commanders @ Lions and get 50% of your stake back in Free Bets up to £5 if you lose. (Credited within 24hrs)
Click here for all the latest NFL Odds
Remember to check out our NFL Betting Tips index page where we preview games live on Sky Sports along with a weekly Predictions column.
Share Article
New customers only. Deposit via Debit Card & place first bet £10+ (1/1+) on Sports in 7 days. £30 Sports & £20 Acca Free Bets within 10 hrs of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility, payment excl. & T&Cs Apply.
