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Eagles vs. Rams predictions: Rounding up media picks for Sunday’s divisional-round matchup

Opinions are leaning heavily toward the Eagles as they head into Sunday’s game as six-point favorites.

Can Jalen Hurts and the Eagles escape this weekend with another playoff win?
Can Jalen Hurts and the Eagles escape this weekend with another playoff win?Read moreYong Kim / Staff Photographer

After a wild-card win over the Green Bay Packers, the Eagles turn their attention to the No. 4-seeded Los Angeles Rams in the NFC divisional playoffs.

Despite a 22-10 victory over Green Bay, there were concerns surrounding Jalen Hurts' performance. The quarterback finished 13-for-21 passing for 131 yards and two touchdowns. It wasn’t the sexiest stat line from Hurts, but it got the job done.

» READ MORE: Mike Sielski: Rams’ Jared Verse hates Eagles fans, Jalen Hurts doesn’t need his right arm, and other thoughts

In their last meeting in Week 12, Saquon Barkley was unstoppable, rushing for a franchise-record 255 yards and two touchdowns. The Birds enter the rematch as six-point favorites. Will their chase for another Super Bowl title continue? Or will the Rams beat the Birds at home?

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Here’s what experts in the local and national media are saying.

Inquirer beat writers

We start with our own Eagles beat writers. Here’s an excerpt from EJ Smith’s prediction…

It’s worth remembering the Rams managed 290 yards in these teams’ first meeting, but went 0-for-8 on third downs and had a costly red-zone fumble early in the game. So long as the Eagles defense can once again win in the game’s key moments (turnovers, third-downs, etc.), they should be able to turn in a repeat performance even against a Rams offense that got off to a hot start against the Vikings. Overall, this game might be more comfortable for the Eagles than even last week’s. The Rams have the ceiling to pull off the upset, but the Eagles have enough matchup advantages, particularly in the run game, to suggest they can run away with this one.
Prediction: Eagles 31, Rams 21
EJ Smith

To read more of Smith’s take, plus how our other beat writers are predicting this one, check out our full predictions here.

National media predictions

Here’s what those around the country think about the Eagles’ chances this week:

  1. ESPN: Two of three panelists picked the Eagles.

  2. NFL.com: All five panelists picked the Eagles.

  3. Bleacher Report: Four of eight experts picked the Eagles.

  4. CBS Sports: Three of eight panelists are backing the Eagles.

  5. Pro Football Talk: Mike Florio and Chris Simms both picked the Eagles, saying they should ride Saquon Barkley.

  6. Sporting News: Two experts picked the Eagles.

» READ MORE: Goedert shows value to Eagles amid murky plans at tight end

Local media predictions

Here’s what media in Philadelphia think will happen:

  1. Philly Voice: All four Philly Voice panelists are picking the Eagles.

  2. Delaware Online: Nine of 10 panelists are backing the Eagles.

The Eagles play host to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in the divisional round of the playoffs. Join Eagles beat reporters Olivia Reiner and EJ Smith as they dissect the hottest storylines surrounding the team on Gameday Central, live from Lincoln Financial Field.