The Philadelphia Eagles have largely had theupper hand over the Los Angeles Rams in recent years. Philadelphia last lost in the series in 2020. They have won four straight meetings since then, including a Divisional Round playoff victory during the 2024-25 postseason.
The Eagles have also won 10 of the last 11 meetings and own a 26-20-1 edge in the all-time series. History, however. won't help them much on Sunday. Philadelphia is looking to rebound after an ugly loss to the Chicago Bears, while Los Angeles arrives motivated after a disappointing Week 3 performance of its own. Several matchups stand out as game day approaches.
Sean McVay vs. Vic Fangio
If you enjoy studying football strategy, this matchup immediately grabs your attention. Sean McVay remains one of the NFL's
most respected offensive minds, while Vic Fangio has spent years building a reputation as one of the league's premier defensive architects.
McVay's offense thrives on motion, play-action, and forcing defenses into difficult decisions. Fangio's job will be preventing explosive plays while disguising enough looks to keep Matt Stafford uncomfortable.
Still, after watching Chicago exploit communication breakdowns on Monday night, something seems obvious. This feels like one of the game's most important battles.
Sean Mannion vs. Chris Shula
One coaching chess match deserves another. Sean Mannion's offense managed only seven points against the Bears, and questions about Philadelphia's offensive identity continue to grow. The Eagles have shown flashes through three weeks, but consistency has been difficult to find, particularly after halftime.
Chris Shula's defense will present another difficult test. If the Eagles are going to avoid consecutive losses, Mannion's game plan must generate more answers than it did a week ago. We'll learn a lot about him in this one.
Jonathan Greenard and the Eagles' pass rush vs. the Rams' offensive line
Jonathan Greenard made his regular-season debut against Chicago. Now, he'll make his first appearance in front of the home crowd as Philadelphia searches for more production from its pass rush.
The Eagles struggled to affect Case Keenum consistently on Monday night. Things won't become easier against Stafford, who remains one of the league's most experienced and dangerous quarterbacks when given time to throw. Generating pressure without sacrificing coverage integrity will be critical.
Aaron Donald vs. the Eagles' interior offensive line
One good trench battle deserves another. Aaron Donald is still searching for his first sack since returning, but he can still wreck a game at any moment. The Eagles would love for another trend to continue as well. Surprisingly, Donald has never recorded a sack against Philadelphia.
That statistic could be tested this week. The Eagles have experienced growing pains along the interior offensive line, making this one of Sunday's most intriguing individual battles.
Jalen Hurts vs. Matt Stafford
Quarterback matchups often shape the conversation before and after the final whistle, and this duel won't be any different. Hurts enters Week 4 looking to rebound from his most difficult outing of the season so far. Stafford continues leading one of the NFL's most explosive offenses. He's the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player.
Both quarterbacks can take over a game. Both will be asked to shoulder significant responsibility. If this contest remains close entering the fourth quarter, the outcome, as it often is in games like this, will come down to which quarterback delivers in the biggest moments.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles vs. Rams: Five early matchups to watch in Week 4
