Someone’s zero has to go at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, as the Eagles (2-0) return home to Philadelphia to face the Los Angeles Rams (2-0) in a rematch of last postseason’s NFC wild card game on Sunday, September 21, at 1 PM.
For the Eagles, it’ll be about adding explosive plays to a stagnant offense and getting the passing game going against a Rams secondary that’s dealing with injuries at key positions. Vic Fangio’s defense will be tasked with corraling Rams running back Kyren Williams, while somehow containing the dynamic pass-catching trio of Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and tight end Tyler Higbee.
With kickoff fast approaching, we’re looking at five bold predictions for Sunday.
Jalen Hurts will throw for 250+ yards, three passing TDs
In the matchup from last November, Hurts was quietly efficient while letting Saquon Barkley do his thing. Hurts was 15-22 passing for 179 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions, and a 108.0 rating. As a runner, Hurts carried the football 12 times for 39 yards. In the wild-card win, Hurts threw for just 128 yards, was sacked seven times, and his mobility was hampered in the second half after he was fitted for a knee brace. The Rams will sell out to stop the running games, and Hurts will make them pay.
DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown both have 100-yard games
The Eagles’ dynamic duo has struggled from a production standpoint, but Sunday offers the perfect opportunity for a breakout game. The Rams will be without Ahkello Witherspoon, who is on injured reserve, leaving Emmanuel Forbes, Cobie Durant, and Darious Williams on the outside and Quentin Lake in the slot. Forbes led the Rams’ outside corners in snaps in Week 2, but was victimized by A.J. Brown during his rookie season with the Commanders. We’re predicting 100-yard games from both players.
Jalen Carter has two sacks
Rams offensive guard Steve Avila (ankle) is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. If Avila can’t go, Justin Dedich would fill in. According to Reuben Frank of NBC Sports Philadelphia, the Rams allowed 10 pressures in their Week 2 win, and 6 of them came against the guards and center. Jalen Carter needs a big game, and Sunday afternoon, he explodes.
Kevin Patullo will be more creative
The first-year offensive coordinator hasn’t done enough to scheme A.J. Brown open, and he’s openly admitted to the fact that the Eagles are telegraphing their offensive tendencies. As Brooks Kubena of The Athletic pointed out, If the Eagles are in a pistol or under-center set, they almost always run. If they’re in the shotgun, they run sparingly. On Sunday, Patullo will use motion and play-action to get his best athletes the ball in space.
Eagles have a huge kickoff return
In 2024, the NFL introduced a dynamic kickoff rule and made an important adjustment this season to encourage more returns. To reduce touchbacks and increase kicks in the designated “landing zone,” the dead-ball spot after a touchback was moved from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line. This five-yard change will ultimately benefit the Eagles, as Tank Bigsby makes a significant game-changing return that sparks their victory.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles vs. Rams: 5 bold predictions for Philadelphia in Week 3
