The Eagles will host the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday in a pivotal NFC Divisional Round matchup. After a gritty Wild Card win over the Packers, the Eagles are looking to advance to the NFC Championship Game. Standing in their way are the Rams, fresh off a Monday night victory over the 14-win Vikings.

The Eagles beat the Rams earlier this season, but both teams have evolved since then. Let’s break down the keys for the Eagles to secure another win and punch their ticket to the next round.

1. Get A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith Going Early

The last time these two teams met, Saquon Barkley dominated. While the ground game is vital, the Eagles should focus on getting their star wide receivers involved early.

A.J. Brown torched the Rams for 6 catches, 109 yards, and a touchdown in their last meeting. This time, DeVonta Smith will be healthy, adding another dynamic weapon. If both receivers start hot, the Rams’ defense will be forced to adjust, opening up the run game for Saquon Barkley later.

2. Lighten the Box for Saquon Barkley

This key ties directly to the first. Once the passing attack begins to click, the Rams won’t be able to stack the box against the run. Saquon hasn’t been stopped by loaded boxes this season, but creating easier running lanes would make life easier for both him and the offensive line.

3. Dominate in the Trenches

In their previous matchup, the Eagles’ offensive line bullied the Rams’ young defensive front. The result? Saquon ran wild, and Jalen Hurts had time to operate, getting sacked just once.

The offensive line needs to replicate that dominant performance. Winning at the line of scrimmage will dictate the game, keeping Jalen Hurts clean and paving the way for a balanced offensive attack.

4. Solid Play from Oren Burks and Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

With Nakobe Dean out for the playoffs, the Eagles will rely on a rotation at linebacker between Oren Burks and rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

Burks brings physicality but struggles in coverage, while Trotter is better in coverage but has tackling concerns. Neither needs to play lights out; they just need to be solid. Rams QB Matthew Stafford thrives on exploiting weaknesses in the middle of the field. If Burks and Trotter can avoid giving up big plays, the defense will hold up.

5. Limit Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp

The Rams boast one of the NFL’s top receiving duos in Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. Nacua is a physical, tough receiver who fights for every yard, while Kupp is a polished route runner capable of finding soft spots in coverage.

In their first meeting, the Eagles held Nacua and Kupp to a combined 177 yards. To win this week, they’ll need an even tighter effort, ideally keeping them under 150 yards combined. Slowing down this duo will be crucial to disrupting Matthew Stafford’s rhythm.

The stage is set for another classic postseason battle. If the Eagles execute these keys—spreading the ball to their star receivers, dominating up front, and containing the Rams’ weapons—they’ll be one step closer to their ultimate goal.