Two of the NFC’s hottest teams will meet Sunday night as the streaking Philadelphia Eagles visit the Los Angeles Rams.
The NFC East-leading Eagles (8-2) have won their past six contests, while the Rams (5-5) have won four of their past five to keep pace in a crowded NFC West.
Philadelphia enters Week 12 with the league’s No. 1 defense, allowing 273.1 yards per game, and the No. 5 offense powered by Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. Hurts has accounted for 23 touchdowns (12 passing, 11 rushing), and Barkley leads the NFL with 1,347 yards from scrimmage.
The Eagles are well-rested, as they have been idle since a 26-18 win on Nov. 14 against division rival Washington. Philadelphia held the Commanders to 264 total yards — the sixth straight game an opponent failed to gain more than 280 vs. the Eagles.
Philadelphia also is road-tested. The Eagles are 4-1 in road games, which doesn’t include their “home” win against Green Bay in Brazil to open the season. Road success is nothing new for the team, as the Eagles are 22-9 away from home in three-plus seasons under coach Nick Sirianni.
“I think the biggest thing out of all that is just having that mental toughness that everyone is going to be against you on the road,” Sirianni said this week. “Now, we travel pretty well, and I’ve been really appreciative of the Eagles fans that show up no matter where we are. But you still feel like the stadium is against you.
“It’s just an opportunity for you to unite as a team, lock arms as a team and have that mental toughness, that dawg mentality as far as understanding just play the next play, control what you can control, and unite as a team. Those are two of our big-time core values: connect and toughness. So we take pride in that. Then I just think that speaks volumes of our players and coaches that they handle that.”
The Eagles have won all three road games in the series since the Rams returned to Los Angeles in 2016, including a 23-14 victory in Week 5 last season.
“They (Eagles) are red hot,” Rams coach Sean McVay said this week. “They have played really well. They are finding their identity. They have great playmakers, coaches and schemes. So they are checking all the boxes of what really good teams do. So, that is a great challenge. …
“We have a lot of respect for this group. But you know, these are the moments that you love as a competitor. This is what is the best part of the NFL.”
The Rams are 3-2 at home this season, losing by five to the Green Bay Packers in Week 5 and by eight to the Miami Dolphins in Week 10.
Los Angeles rebounded from the defeat to the Dolphins with a 28-22 win at New England last weekend. Matthew Stafford threw for 295 yards and four touchdowns, with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua combining for 13 receptions, 229 yards and three scores.
Stafford has a 4-2 record in his career against the Eagles with 12 touchdown passes and one interception.
Eagles defensive end Bryce Huff underwent wrist surgery and was placed on injured reserve Friday.
The team also opened the practice window for wide receiver Britain Covey, who is questionable to play on Sunday due to a shoulder injury.
Wideout DeVonta Smith (hamstring) did not participate in practice throughout the week and was ruled out for Sunday’s game.
For the Rams, cornerback Charles Woods (ankle) did not practice throughout the week and joined offensive lineman KT Leveston (ankle) in being ruled out against Philadelphia. Starting right tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle) turned in two limited practices to end the week but is doubtful to play versus the Eagles.
