Rams at Eagles Week 3 Preview and Pick
Game Details
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
TV: FOX
Spread: Eagles -3 (-125)
Total: 44.5 Betonline
This Week 3 showdown features a rematch of last season’s NFC Divisional Round, where both teams enter at 2-0 and riding impressive early-season momentum. The stakes are high as these playoff contenders look to establish themselves as legitimate championship threats.
The Philadelphia Perspective
The defending champions have navigated a challenging early schedule with narrow victories over Dallas and Kansas City, but concerns are emerging about their offensive identity under new coordinator Kevin Patullo. The passing attack has been surprisingly stagnant through two weeks, with the quarterback managing just 253 total passing yards – a concerning trend for a team with championship aspirations.
The ground game, however, has been a revelation. Averaging 140 rushing yards per contest, the Eagles’ running attack has provided the foundation for their perfect start. Their star running back has already accumulated 148 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating the explosive capability that tormented Los Angeles in previous matchups.
Defensively, Philadelphia has shown vulnerability, allowing 18.5 points per game and struggling with consistency in key moments. The unit that once dominated playoff runs appears to have taken a step back, creating potential opportunities for opposing offenses.
Key Eagles Trends:
- 14-1 in their last 15 regular season games
- 10-game home winning streak at Lincoln Financial Field
- 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games vs. Rams
- Struggling 0-4 ATS in recent September games against NFC West opponents
The Los Angeles Challenge
The Rams have quietly assembled one of the most formidable defenses in the early season, limiting opponents to just 14 points and 258.5 yards per game. This unit finished strong last season and has carried that momentum forward, creating significant challenges for opposing offenses.
Matthew Stafford continues to display veteran savvy, completing 71% of his passes for 543 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. The receiving corps, featuring the dynamic duo of established veterans, has provided 378 combined receiving yards and appears increasingly comfortable in Sean McVay’s system.
The ground game has been solid if unspectacular, averaging 110.5 yards per contest behind their primary ball carrier who has contributed 132 yards and one touchdown. This balanced offensive approach has allowed Los Angeles to control games and create favorable field position.
Key Rams Trends:
- 11-4 in their last 15 regular season games
- 18-11-2 ATS as underdogs of more than a field goal under McVay
- 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall
- 7-0 ATS in their last seven road games
Tactical Battlegrounds
Defensive Chess Match
The Rams’ defensive front presents Philadelphia’s biggest challenge. This unit has the depth and talent to disrupt the Eagles’ offensive rhythm, particularly against a line that has shown inconsistencies. Los Angeles ranks among the top five in both passing defense and total defense, creating a significant test for Philadelphia’s struggling aerial attack.
Offensive Tempo Control
McVay’s offense excels at dictating game tempo, often favoring a more deliberate pace with strategic running plays on early downs. This approach could prove crucial against an Eagles defense that has shown vulnerability to sustained drives and time of possession battles.
Special Teams Impact
Both teams feature capable special teams units, but Philadelphia’s struggles on kickoff returns (ranking 32nd at 20.2 yards per return) could provide Los Angeles with advantageous field position throughout the contest.
Injury Considerations
Los Angeles: The loss of cornerback Witherspoon to IR creates depth concerns in the secondary. The Rams are utilizing a combination of Williams, Forbes Jr., Durant, and Wallace to fill the void, though none represent proven long-term solutions.
Philadelphia: Questions surround the availability of key contributors including tight end Goedert and running back Shipley, both listed as questionable.
Betting Analysis
The current line reflects The Eagles home-field advantage and recent dominance, but several factors favor the visiting Rams:
Case for Los Angeles (+3):
- Sean McVay’s exceptional record as an underdog (18-11-2 ATS when getting more than a field goal)
- Rams’ impressive 5-0 ATS streak and 7-0 ATS mark in road games
- Philadelphia’s concerning 0-4 ATS record in September games against NFC West opponents
- Los Angeles’ superior defensive metrics through two weeks
Case for Philadelphia (-3):
- Dominant home record (16-1 against teams with winning records at Lincoln Financial Field)
- Revenge factor from last season’s playoff encounter
- Ground game advantage with Barkley’s proven success against Los Angeles
- Home crowd in a primetime atmosphere
Total Considerations (44.5)
Multiple factors point toward a lower-scoring affair:
- Philadelphia’s offensive struggles and conservative approach averaging just over 4 yards per play
- Los Angeles’ defensive excellence limiting opponents to 14 points per game
- McVay’s preference for controlling tempo and clock management
- Historical trends showing 5 of 6 recent Eagles September home games going Under
Final Prediction
This shapes up as a classic McVay road performance where Los Angeles keeps things competitive through superior coaching and defensive execution. While Philadelphia possesses the talent advantage, their offensive inconsistencies and Los Angeles’ defensive improvements suggest a close contest.
The Rams’ ability to control tempo, combined with their stout defense, should keep this game within a field goal. Philadelphia may ultimately prevail at home, but the visitors offer excellent value at the current number.
Recommended Plays:
- Rams +3 (-155) – Strong value with a proven underdog coach
- Under 44.5 – Defensive strength and offensive inconsistencies favor lower scoring
Expected Score: Eagles 21, Rams 20