Gang Green Nation
The divisional round of the NFL playoffs continues this afternoon with an NFC matchup. The Philadelphia Eagles host the Los Angeles Rams in snowy Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 pm EST.
The 15-3 Philadelphia Eagles are NFC East champions and the highest remaining seed in the NFC playoffs. The Eagles come into this game winners of 13 of their last 14 games, including a 37 - 20 win over the Rams in November. Last week they defeated the Green Bay Packers in the wild card round of the NFL playoffs. The Eagles feature the NFL’s #1 defense in yards allowed and #2 defense in points allowed. The Eagles also feature a top 10 offense and defense in yards, points, first downs and turnovers. This is a deep, well balanced team. The Eagles run the ball more than any other team in the NFL, which should be to their advantage on a snowy day in Philadelphia.
The 11-7 Los Angeles Rams are NFC West champions and the #4 seed in the NFC playoffs. The Rams come into this game winners of six of their last seven games. Last week the Rams defeated the Minnesota Vikings in the wild card round. After getting off to a difficult 1-4 start this season, the Rams turned things around after their bye week, going 9-3 to close out the regular season. The Rams defense in particular improved dramatically late in the season, allowing nine points or less to four of their last five opponents. Statistically the Rams have been middling in both the running and the passing game on both offense and defense. The one thing they have done really well is protecting the football. The Rams rank #4 in the NFL in offensive turnovers with just 14 on the year. They have turned the ball over on offense just three times in their last nine games, fueling an end of season surge that won them the division.
The Eagles have home field advantage today. The Eagles have a 9-1 record at home this year. The Rams are 5-3 on the road this season, but they have won their last five straight road games. The Eagles are 6-2 against playoff teams this season, while the Rams are 3-3.
