Can the Rams Shock the Eagles? NFC Divisional Playoff Betting Preview

Los Angeles Rams (11-7 SU, 10-8 ATS) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (15-3 SU, 12-6 ATS)
NFC Divisional Playoff Betting Preview
Date/Time: Sunday, January 19th, 2025, 3:00PM (EST)
Where: Lincoln Financial Field Philadelphia, PA.
TV: NBC

Betting Odds

Point Spread: LAR +6/PHI -6
Moneyline: LAR +215/PHI -260
Total: 43.5

The NFL playoffs continue on Sunday with an intriguing match-up between the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field. The Rams earned the divisional match-up opportunity following a convincing 27-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday. The Rams defense posted a spectacular performance by sacking Vikings QB Sam Darnold nine times which tied an NFL playoff record and also came away with a few big turnovers in the decisive victory. On the heels of that performance, the Rams will look for another similar effort this Sunday as 6 point road underdogs at Philadelphia.

Last week, Philadelphia also added a postseason victory to their 2024 resume. The Eagles handled business with a 22-10 victory over the Green Bay Packers. Like the Rams’ victory, Philadelphia’s win was also motivated by the play on the defensive side of the football. The Eagles #1 pass defense recorded 3 interceptions against Packers QB Jordan Love and continued to ride workhorse RB Saquon Barkley who paved the way with 25 carries for 119 yards on the ground. As a result, the Eagles recorded their 13th victory in the last 14 games and will look to keep the momentum alive this Sunday in hopes to earn a bid to the NFC Championship Game!

Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles Betting Analysis

If you look at regular season totals, the Rams have given up 130 yards per game against the run as one of the bottom run-stop units in the league. However as usual, some stats can be misleading and this defense suffered a lot of injuries throughout the season. In recent weeks, the Rams defense is arguably playing their best football of the season and has held opponents to just 9 points or less in 4 of the last 5 games with the only exception coming in the week 18 throwaway game against the Seahawks.

The reason I keep highlighting the improved play of this Rams defense’ is because I believe the Eagles are going to experience a much tougher match-up than the betting public expects. The Eagles smashed the Rams in a 37-20 victory in week 12 on the heels of a monster performance from Saquon Barkley who ran for 255 yards and two touchdowns. However, I don’t believe we should expect the same outcome this time around. The Rams have won 6 of their last 7 games since that week 12 loss and have been playing much better defense all-around. More importantly, if the Rams can find a way to slow down Barkely; Eagles QB Jalen Hurts has been held to less than 200 yards passing in 4 of the last 5 games and does not seem to be playing at the level we would expect from a potential Super Bowl contender.

To expand on the match-up on the other side of the ball, I was not necessarily impressed by the Eagles performance last week. QB Jordan Love clearly was playing through an injury and while the Eagles’ pass defense is legitimately tough; they do leave opportunities underneath their coverage. For that reason, I expect RB Kyren Williams and TE Tyler Higbee will likely play important roles in the passing game as an extension to the running attack. If the Rams can take what Philadelphia gives them, don’t be surprised if they find ways to keep the chains moving and create scoring opportunities.

Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles Betting Trends

• The Rams are 6-1 ATS in the last 7 games.
• The Rams are 6-1 SU in the last 7 games.
• The Rams have hit the “under” in four of the last 5 games.
• The Rams are 5-0 ATS in the last five games on the road.
• The Eagles are 13-1 SU in the last 14 games.
• The Eagles are 8-2 ATS in the last 10 games.
• The Eagles have hit the “under” in five of the last seve games.
• The Eagles are 8-1 SU and 8-1 ATS in the last nine games against the Rams.

Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles Betting Prediction

This will not be a popular pick but I believe the Rams are live here for the upset. I feel like this is one of those match-ups where one team is starting to peak and another appears to have already peaked. For that reason, I’m going to take my chances with the Rams and take the points!

Jay’s Pick: Take Los Angeles +6