Rams Overcome Early Struggles to Face Eagles in NFC Divisional Playoff

PHILADELPHIA − The Los Angeles Rams, after a rocky start to the 2024 NFL season, have surged into the NFC Divisional Playoffs, setting up a high-stakes rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Rams secured their spot by defeating the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 on Monday night, while the Eagles advanced after overcoming the Green Bay Packers.

The Rams began the season with a disappointing 1-4 record, hampered by injuries to key offensive players. However, a Week 6 bye proved pivotal as they rallied to win nine of their next 11 games, clinching their first NFC West title since 2021. Quarterback Matthew Stafford led the charge, throwing 11 touchdowns to just one interception from Week 11 onward. Rookie edge rusher Jared Verse also emerged as a defensive standout, helping the team secure crucial wins.

Despite finishing the regular season with the 10th-ranked passing offense, the Rams faced challenges due to injuries to star wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, who missed a combined nine games. The defense, ranked 26th overall, struggled to fill the void left by retired defensive tackle Aaron Donald but managed to sack Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold nine times in their wild-card victory.

The Eagles, meanwhile, enter the matchup with confidence, having already defeated the Rams 37-20 in Week 12 of the regular season. In that game, running back Saquon Barkley rushed for a franchise-record 255 yards, including two explosive touchdown runs. Wide receiver A.J. Brown also made significant contributions, tallying 109 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged the Rams’ improvements since their last meeting but emphasized his team’s preparedness. “Obviously, we’ve played L.A. earlier in the year, so there’s a little bit of familiarity there,” Sirianni said. “But they’ve also changed, as we have changed.”

The Rams face additional challenges, including a cross-country trip on a short week and the absence of home-field advantage. Their wild-card game against the Vikings was relocated to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, due to scheduling conflicts.

For Delaware fans, the game holds special significance as Rams linebacker Troy Reeder, a Salesianum and University of Delaware alumnus, continues to make an impact. Reeder started the first six games of the season, recording 46 tackles before suffering an injury.

The winner of this matchup will advance to the NFC Championship Game, one step closer to Super Bowl LVIII.