The Philadelphia Eagles have a commanding grip and breathing room in the NFC East after defeating the Washington Commanders last week, taking a two-game lead. Their opponent, the Los Angeles Rams, is second in the NFC West and a game behind the division-leading Arizona Cardinals, a division where first and fourth are separated by one game.

Philadelphia’s defense has given up a league-best 273.1 total yards per game. The NFC East leaders are one of five teams to give up fewer than 10 passing touchdowns and are fourth in allowed completion percentage at 61.5%.

Since wide receiver Puka Nacua returned from his knee injury earlier in the season, Matthew Stafford has been able to utilize his offensive threats. After starting the season 1-4, the Rams have gone 4-1 in their last five. This is due to the healthy wide receiving core giving running back Kyren Williams the ability to open up the rushing game, which he has recorded 60+ yards in every game since week three.

Injury Report

Rob Havenstein, Charles Woods, and Kevin Dotson have been listed as questionable for the Rams this week, while KT Leveston (ankle) was placed on the Injured Reserved list on Wednesday.

The Eagles second-leading wide receiver, DeVonta Smith (hamstring), has been ruled out, and Bryce Huff will be out following wrist surgery on Thursday. Britain Covey returned to full practice on Wednesday, while Jalyx Hunt is questionable.

Key Positional Matchups

Eagles CBs vs Rams WRs

Darius Slay Jr., Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean are the best cornerback core in the league. Mitchell has had an outstanding rookie year and has not allowed his opponent’s top wide receiver any space to make an impact.

Through 10 games, he has an average of 2.2 yards allowed after catch, 2.3 catches per game, and zero touchdowns. All stats that are better or equal to Sauce Gardner in 2022, where he won Defensive Player of the Year and had an All-Pro selection.

Either Nacua or Cooper Kupp has recorded 100+ receiving yards in three of the four previous games for the Rams (the lone exception Los Angeles’ top receiver had was 98 yards). The hottest receivers matchup against the best lockdown corners in the league and will be the defining matchup of the match.

Eagles OL vs Rams DL

Jalen Hurts will be consistently pressured throughout the match. Braden Fiske and Jared Verse have been two key draft picks. They have expanded the Rams’ threat level and are extremely quick, forcing their opposition’s offensive line to draw penalties or allow the pocket to collapse.

Philadelphia tackles, Jordan Mailata, and Lane Johnson is a candidate for the best tackles in the league. They have two of the highest success rates when in one-on-one matchups, also known as left on an island, and an extremely high rate of being left on an island.

While offensive vs defensive line matchups are not the biggest stat-grabbing matchups. These two teams will fight tooth and nail to protect or sack Hurts and situate themselves in positive division positioning.

Who to Watch

Eagles player to watch: Saquon Barkley

Saquon Barkley trails Derrick Henry by 48 yards entering week 12 and is the league’s second-best running back. This is his fourth 1,000+ yard rushing season, and he needs 176 yards to break his career high in rushing yards. He can make something out of nothing and will be an impact player.

Rams player to watch: Jared Verse

Verse has been a standout defensive rookie and one of the best rookies in the league. He has a dangerous presence on the field that teams avoid or double team. His playmaking ability improves his game and helps create Rams favorable matchups that get his defense off the field.

Head to Head

Philadelphia lead the all-time series 23-20-1 and have won seven of the last eight.

Where to Watch

This SNF matchup will be on NBC and Peacock at 8:20 PM ET / 5:20 PM PT.