Primetime in the Golden State — Eagles at Rams Week 12 Preview

While this game at the start of the year was one of the better ones to circle on your calendar it has lost some of its magic as the season has rolled on. 

The Los Angeles Rams are coming into this Sunday night game against the Eagles looking to keep their playoff hopes alive. This season, the Rams are 5-5, averaging 21.3 points per game. After beating the Patriots last week the Rams come into this game with momentum trying to catch the Arizona Cardinals for the lead in the NFC West.

Meanwhile, the Eagles go into this game at an 8-2 record with a firm spot atop the NFC East after their matchup last week with Washington. Win or lose this game has very minimal effect on the Philly playoff hopes.

DROY Clash

The 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year is shaping to be a real clash of titans this week between standout young defenders who have made their presence felt early in the league.

At the top is explosive edge rusher Jared Verse, who showcases an elite combination of power and speed, piling up impressive sack numbers while being extremely disruptive in opposing backfields. Next to him is Braden Fiske from the Los Angeles Rams, a multitalented defensive lineman whose capabilities in run-stopping and generating interior pressure have glued the front line of the Rams. Both have been instrumental in anchoring their teams’ defensive successes.

In the secondary, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are making noise. The lockdown corner with ball-hawking instincts, Mitchell has taken away some of the league’s best receivers. At the same time, DeJean’s versatility as a do-it-all defensive back has recently been crucial for the Eagles. Whether patrolling the slot, playing safety, or matching up outside, DeJean’s playmaking ability and instincts have made him a critical asset. All three of these rookies bring something special to the table and have the potential to change the game completely, which makes the DROY race interesting as the season progresses.

Currently, Verse is the odds-on leader for the award with Mitchell slated as the runner-up but that could change after the outcome of this week. 

Smith Out with Hamstring Injury

The Eagles come into this game short-handed missing their number 2 wide receiver DeVonta Smith to a hamstring injury. This is the second time this year the Eagles wide receiver has missed a game, his first coming back in week 4 against the Buccaneers.

Luckily for the Eagles, they have A.J. Brown healthy this time and hope to finally see some success from offseason acquisitions Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson. Britain Covey is also on the injury list with a shoulder strain but is questionable for Sunday night. 

Key Matchups to Watch

One of the most intriguing matchups in this game will be Jared Verse vs. the Eagles’ Offensive Line. Verse, the Rams’ rookie edge rusher, has been a revelation this season, combining elite speed and power to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Up until now, Verse faces his toughest test against Philadelphia’s offensive line. Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata set the edges for the Eagles, and their ability to neutralize Verse’s relentless motor will go a long way in keeping Jalen Hurts upright and the offense on schedule.

Hurts’ mobility vs. the Rams’ pass rush is another storyline. While Hurts has shown his ability to extend plays and create yardage with his legs, the Rams’ defense will feature a mix of young playmakers and older, wiser veterans who will have to stay disciplined to contain him. That dual-threat capability from Hurts could be the differentiator should the Rams’ defensive line fail to seal off rushing lanes or let opportunities to pressure him in the pocket slip away. How those battles play out will likely dictate the cadence and result of this Sunday night showdown.

This week’s game starts at 8:20 EST on NBC. 

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