The Rams Face a Daunting Task in Containing Saquon Barkley

When Sean McVay began analyzing ways to stop Saquon Barkley, the electrifying running back with a rare 2,000-yard season under his belt, he fully understood the consequences of failure. The Rams, more than any team, have experienced the wrath of Barkley firsthand.

Barkley’s Record-Breaking Performance

In a season brimming with highlights, Barkley’s November showdown against the Rams stood out as his magnum opus. The star back torched Los Angeles for touchdown runs of 70 and 72 yards, finishing with a jaw-dropping 255 rushing yards—a franchise record for the Eagles and the ninth-highest single-game total in NFL history. With 302 total yards from scrimmage, Barkley etched his name in the record books yet again as only the 12th player to reach that mark.

This Sunday, as the Eagles host the Rams in the divisional round, Barkley will aim for an encore performance. The matchup, a rematch of the Eagles’ dominant 37-20 victory just seven weeks prior, pits an NFC East juggernaut against a Rams defense that struggled mightily to contain Barkley the first time around.

Can the Rams’ Defense Respond?

The Rams’ run defense, ranked 22nd in the NFL, has every reason to dread this matchup. Barkley’s November clinic against them rewrote both Eagles and Rams history, surpassing the likes of LeSean McCoy and DeMarco Murray for rushing dominance. Yet, despite their statistical shortcomings, the Rams’ defense has shown resilience.

Their wild-card triumph over Minnesota featured a suffocating performance that saw Sam Darnold sacked nine times and All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson held without a second-half catch. The Rams’ defensive revival could serve as a blueprint for slowing down Barkley, though the challenge is monumental.

Key Players to Watch

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. will be a pivotal figure for the Eagles. Filling in for the injured Nakobe Dean, the rookie linebacker has stepped up in critical moments, recovering a fumble on the opening kickoff against Green Bay in the wild-card round. Trotter’s football pedigree—his father was a four-time Pro Bowl linebacker—has prepared him for moments like this. The Eagles will rely on his instincts and grit to bolster their defensive front.

Meanwhile, A.J. Brown seeks to make his mark after a quiet game against the Packers. With over 1,000 receiving yards for the third consecutive season, Brown has proven to be a game-changer. In the first meeting with the Rams, he torched their secondary for 109 yards and a touchdown, and the Eagles will likely lean on his playmaking ability once again.

Quarterback Showdown

The quarterback battle presents contrasting narratives. For the Rams, Matthew Stafford, fresh off a composed performance against the Vikings, will look to exploit any cracks in the Eagles’ defense. On the other side, Jalen Hurts aims to build momentum after a cautious return from a concussion, having tossed two touchdowns in his first game back.

Weathering the Elements—and the Opposition

With temperatures expected in the teens and snowfall in the forecast, both teams will need to adapt to the conditions. Barkley, a seasoned veteran of East Coast winters, appears primed for another standout performance. However, the Rams’ ability to maintain composure—particularly given the recent challenges posed by wildfires in Los Angeles—could be equally important.

A Clash of Strengths

This divisional-round showdown is more than just a rematch; it’s a clash of two teams determined to prove their playoff mettle. For the Rams, containing Saquon Barkley is priority number one. For the Eagles, building on their momentum and leveraging their stars in the harsh January conditions will be key.

LA Rams vs Philadelphia Eagles Elite NFL Pick 1/19

For just $150 now is your chance to receive a 31 day all access pass. GUARANTEED to show a profit otherwise you will receive a FULL REFUND!

Unlike most services, Elite Sports Beat offers a full refund because I am confident in the quality of my sports picks. While my initial price might seem high, let me break it down for you. For $150, you’re essentially paying only $4.84 per day. If you’re a $25 bettor, you will not only cover my small daily fee but also make a profit with my winning picks. And this is only possible because I do not bet heavy favorites.

$4.84 per day is a small price to pay considering the extensive research and hours of hard work I invest every single day. Do yourself a favor and get on board. Stop missing out on my winning sports picks and start reaping the rewards today.

All sports picks are sent VIA email so be sure to supply me with your most up to date email when purchasing. You can also email me if need at elitesportsbeat@elitesportsbeat.com – I do not store CC information and this is NOT a recurring charge. This is a one time fee for all sports picks. I also accept CashApp, PayPal and Zelle. Email me if you prefer those options to make payment.

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN !?
PURCHASE A 31 DAY ALL ACCESS PASS NOW!