Eagles vs. Rams: Preview, score prediction for Week 14

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Rams

Raise your hand if you thought a Week 14 matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams could decide the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff race back in the summer. It’s likely no one, even the most ardent Eagles and Rams’ supporters could have seen this matchup as one of the most important of the 2017 season just a few short months ago.

There are many reasons this game is so compelling. These teams enter Week 14 with a combined record of 19-5. These teams, along with the 10-2 Minnesota Vikings, are the top three teams in the NFC. Both Philadelphia and Los Angeles rank inside the top 5 of most major offensive categories. And, perhaps most importantly, this game will feature starting quarterbacks who were the top two picks in the 2016 NFL draft. After struggling as a rookie, No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff is having a Pro Bowl-caliber season in year two. Meanwhile, Philly quarterback Carson Wentz is a legitimate MVP candidate.

After nine straight wins, the Eagles struggled last week in a loss at Seattle. The Seahawks held Philly’s run game in check for the most part and played kept the Eagles out of the end zone. Wentz and the Eagles moved the ball well between the 20s but struggled beyond that.

The Rams’ offense continues to operate at a high level. Goff, running back Todd Gurley and wide receiver Cooper Kupp are all having outstanding seasons. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald is the key for the Rams on defense.

Philadelphia’s Keys to Victory

For the Eagles to win this game, they’ll need a strong performance from their defense. Last week, Philadelphia had no answer for Russell Wilson. Goff is a completely different player than Wilson, but the Eagles struggled against Sean McVay’s offense when he was the offensive coordinator in Washington. On Sunday, Fletcher Cox and the defensive line must get pressure on Goff to interrupt the timing of the Los Angeles offense.

Wentz will, once again, have another big day.

Los Angeles’ Keys to Victory

For the Rams to win this game, they must run the football. The success of this offense begins with Gurley. It just happens Los Angeles is facing the league’s No. 1 rushing defense this week. Philadelphia’s opponents average just 68 yards rushing per game and 3.5 yards per attempt. If Gurley can’t find room against the Eagles, that means there will be more pressure on Goff. Is the second-year quarterback ready to duel Wentz for the win?

Odds

Point Spread: Los Angeles, -2
Moneyline: Philadelphia -115, Los Angeles -105
Over/Under: 51

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Browns make surprise pick at No. 1

Prediction

This has the makings of an outstanding NFL game. Each team features outstanding young quarterbacks who just happen to be in the same draft class. While Wentz has gotten much of the spotlight thus far, Goff is coming into his own. Each of these teams need a win on Sunday. The Eagles have led the NFC all season long but now find themselves tied atop the conference with Minnesota. A loss would temporarily drop them to the No. 3 seed. For the Rams, they need a win just to keep pace.

Wentz has another huge game, passing for over 300 yards and three scores. He gets some help Jay Ajayi and the running game, while Cox and the front seven keep Gurley in check and make Los Angeles one-dimensional.

Pick: Philadelphia Eagles: 27, Los Angeles Rams: 23