NFL

Rams Get Good News Before Divisional Playoff Game Against Eagles

Published

3 months ago

January 19, 2025

The Los Angeles Rams face a must-win NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but their motivation has increased after the Washington Commanders upset the Detroit Lions in the other NFC Divisional matchup.

The Commanders, seeded sixth in the NFC, will face the winner of the Rams-Eagles game in the NFC Championship. If the Rams prevail, they will host the Commanders at SoFi Stadium.

Despite their lower seeding, the Commanders are a formidable opponent, having notched 12 regular-season wins and eliminating the top-seeded Lions with a dominant two-score victory. Their defense forced four turnovers—three interceptions from Jared Goff and one from Jameson Williams. Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has displayed impressive poise, proving he can thrive under pressure.

COMMANDERS SEAL THE WIN!!!! pic.twitter.com/GD0qLX6Pfw
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 19, 2025

For now, the Rams must first tackle the Eagles in snowy conditions to earn their spot in the next round.

Rams’ History Boosts Confidence

The Rams’ performance this season has been strong on the road, where they went 6-3 during the regular season, compared to 5-4 at home. Their “home” Wild Card game against the Minnesota Vikings in Glendale, Arizona, was marked by a visiting team-leaning crowd, yet they emerged victorious.

According to Statmuse, the Rams rank fourth in all-time home playoff success among the remaining teams, trailing only the Commanders, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs.

This current playoff run echoes the Rams’ 2021 Super Bowl-winning journey. Arash Markazi of The Sporting Tribune highlighted the similarities on X (January 18), drawing parallels between this season and their previous title run.

The last time the LA Rams won the Super Bowl:

– Beat a team they beat earlier in the season in a Monday Night Wild Card home game.
– The No. 6 seed beat the top seed on Saturday night.
– Beat the No. 2 seed on the road on Sunday.
– Hosted the No. 6 seed in NFC Championship Game. https://t.co/LDP3LwrrMP
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) January 19, 2025

In that campaign, the Rams overcame a Monday night Wild Card opponent, saw the No. 6 seed defeat the top seed, and won against the No. 2 seed on the road before hosting the No. 6 seed in the NFC Championship Game.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford has proven reliable in high-stakes games, boasting a 3-0 record in home playoff matchups, including this year’s Wild Card victory over the Vikings. Under head coach Sean McVay, the Rams have achieved a 4-1 home playoff record, with their only loss dating back to 2018.

The Eagles, however, are a formidable No. 2 seed and have shown their own postseason strength this year.

Rams’ Wild Card Displacement Adds Another Layer

The Rams’ Wild Card game was moved due to wildfires in California. Now that the fires are under control, sports have returned to the area, with local teams like the LA Clippers resuming normal schedules.

Despite their challenges, the Rams ended their regular season on a high note, winning their final two home games, including a thrilling 44-42 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Week 14.

Mixed Reactions and High Stakes

As the Rams gear up for Sunday’s showdown, speculation about their postseason path continues to spark reactions. David Furose of Sun Sentinel joked on X about a “scripted” NFL storyline that sees the Rams hosting the Commanders in the NFC Championship after being displaced in the Wild Card round.

When you realize it was the NFL script to give the Rams a home NFC Championship Game against the Commanders after being displaced in the wild card round due to the LA fires. pic.twitter.com/qKvxZT4IWO
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) January 19, 2025

Fox Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano emphasized the stakes for both teams, writing on X: “The Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams will be playing for home field advantage in the NFC Championship Game when they play in the divisional round tomorrow. Winner gets to play host to the Washington Commanders.”

The Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams will be playing for home field advantage in the NFC Championship Game when they play in the divisional round tomorrow.

Winner gets to play host to the Washington Commanders. pic.twitter.com/eA1p2wjZkH
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) January 19, 2025

Others highlighted the Eagles’ motivation, with Skip Bayless noting, “FLY, EAGLES, FLY. TAKE CARE OF HOME BUSINESS TOMORROW AGAINST THE RAMS AND YOU GET A HOME NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, ALBEIT AGAINST A WASHINGTON THAT BEAT YOU IN PHILLY (AFTER JALEN GOT CHEAP-SHOT CONCUSSED) ON DEC. 22.”

FLY, EAGLES, FLY. TAKE CARE OF HOME BUSINESS TOMORROW AGAINST THE RAMS AND YOU GET A HOME NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, ALBEIT AGAINST A WASHINGTON THAT BEAT YOU IN PHILLY (AFTER JALEN GOT CHEAP-SHOT CONCUSSED) ON DEC. 22.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) January 19, 2025

Brendan Walker of NFL Films echoed this sentiment, reminding fans of the stakes: “If the Eagles can take care of business vs the Rams inside the snowy Linc, they will host the NFCCG at home vs the Commanders.”

If the Eagles can take care of business vs the Rams inside the snowy Linc, they will host the NFCCG at home vs the Commanders.
— Brendan Walker (@BWalkerNFL) January 19, 2025

With history, stakes, and the weather all adding to the drama, Sunday’s matchup promises to be a pivotal moment for both teams.