The Los Angeles Rams have a lot on their plate this week after surviving the Indianapolis Colts in overtime. At 2-2, the upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles isn’t one that’s exactly going to knock the team out of the playoff race, but it is a measuring stick for where the team is now. If the Rams can win, they’ll be on the map and the national media will be back to talking about the franchise. As such, this is a moment where the Rams can return to going on the attack in the NFL. Here’s a look at the Eagles ahead of the Week 5 throwdown.
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Philadelphia Eagles Injury Report
The three biggest names on the report are defensive star Fletcher Cox, the shifty, speedy, Quez Watkins. Cox and Watkins are both questionable for the contest, per CBS Sports. Cox is dealing with a back injury and Watkins is working through a triceps injury. As far as injuries are concerned, the Rams definitely have more on their plate with injuries to Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, and Cooper Kupp, who might get his first action of 2023 this weekend.
Philadelphia Eagles Stats Impress But Don’t Stun
The Philadelphia Eagles have an offense that’s going to push the Rams to the brink. The team currently is ranked fifth in yards per game at 392.0 per contest. They also score equally as effectively, putting up 29.5 points per contest.
Defensively, they’re noticeably weaker. That said, they can still put the clamps down from time to time. They’re ranked 16th in yards per game allowed at 323.8. In terms of scoring, the team allows on average one less touchdown than they score. They’re ranked 16th in points per game at 22.5.
Eagles Team Leaders Through Four Weeks
The biggest new name for the franchise this year is D’Andre Swift. Swift came from the Detroit Lions and the way he’s playing, the Lions are likely regretting that decision. Swift has taken over the backfield, earning 364 yards on 59 carries and a 6.2 yards per carry average. Jalen Hurts is also on the map in terms of rushing yards at 134 yards on the ground.
At receiver, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are lighting up secondaries at a reliable pace. Brown leads the team with 29 receptions for 414 yards and two touchdowns. As for Smith, he has earned 22 catches for 284 yards and two touchdowns. As it stands, either receiver can ruin a defense. It will be up to the Rams to keep up with both stars.
Eagles Flying High Through Four Games
The Eagles are one of the only remaining undefeated teams in the NFL at 4-0. However, while that might be intimidating at face value, their schedule so far has been decently light compared to some teams in the league. Their four wins come from the New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Washington Commanders.
The most impressive win was their defeat over the then 2-0 Buccaneers, but don’t expect Baker Mayfield to maintain his current winning pace over the course of the year.
All in all, while the Philadelphia Eagles are the reigning NFC Champions and are currently undefeated, there is reason to believe Jalen Hurts can be defeated. That said, it’s going to take Matthew Stafford’s best statistical game of the season to do so against a middle-of-the-pack defense. Having Cooper Kupp back could easily be the difference, even if he’s still knocking the rust off after missing the entire season up to this point.