After losing to the Cowboys last week, it seemed like the Eagles' 2018 season had hit its low point. Oh, how wrong we were.
See, on Tuesday morning, the Eagles still had a chance at sneaking into the playoffs as a wild card. But by the time Friday morning had arrived, the realization that Carson Wentz's season may be prematurely over once again had begun to sink in. And while the Birds' playoff hopes — at least on paper — remain alive, it's hard to envision Nick Foles leading another improbably postseason run.
After all, lightning rarely strikes twice.
Still, the Eagles march on to face their next opponent, the mighty Rams, who currently lead the NFC West at 11-2. Here's how we see Sunday night's game in Los Angeles playing out...
• GAME INFO •
WEEK 15
Eagles (6-7) at Rams (11-2)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET | Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
BROADCAST INFO
TV: NBC | RADIO: 94.1 WIP
BETTING LINES
SPREAD: Rams (-12.5) | TOTAL: 52.0 (via Bovada)
• PREDICTIONS •
Jimmy Kempski
@JimmyKempski | Email | Stories
SEASON RECORD: 7-6
PICK: Rams 42, Eagles 17
Eagles players have been dropping like flies all season long, with the following players all on injured reserve (starters in bold):
- CB Jalen Mills
- CB Ronald Darby
- S Rodney McLeod
- DE Derek Barnett
- RB Jay Ajayi
- WR Mike Wallace
- RB Corey Clement
- WR Mack Hollins
- ST Chris Maragos
- TE Josh Perkins
- DE Josh Sweat
- OT Jordan Mailata
They'll also likely be without LB Jordan Hicks and DT Timmy Jernigan on Sunday. Oh, and, you know, Carson Wentz.
The speed that the Rams possess at receiver presents an extremely difficult matchup for the Eagles' corners, particularly the speed-challenged Rasul Douglas and the obviously injured Sidney Jones, if he even plays.
In my opinion, the Eagles are less likely to win this game than they are to lose by 30.
MORE: All of Jimmy Kempski's Week 15 NFL picks
Evan Macy
@evan_macy | Email | Stories
SEASON RECORD: 8-5
PICK: Rams 35, Eagles 21
I have no idea what is going on with the Eagles anymore. But they have a game Sunday night and it's kind of a big one.
I am not sure how much of a difference Nick Foles playing instead of Carson Wentz is (we think it will be Foles… we assume it will be Foles…). But I am sure that Todd Gurley will rake against the Eagles shallow and beaten down defense. And Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods will find themselves pretty open all game long against whoever is playing cornerback.
We'd need a Super Bowl-like performance from Foles to keep the Eagles in this one, on the road in L.A.
I have a little hope after seeing the Rams unable to do much in Chicago last week - but it was like 20 degrees there and that isn't Jared Goff's thing. Back home in Southern California, I think he'll be back to his old self.
Time to put this season out of it's misery.
- MORE ON THE EAGLES
- Safety Blitz with Malcolm Jenkins: Eagles aren't giving up — 'All we ask for is a chance'
- Why is Wentz still listed as questionable? Doug Pederson has an answer... sort of
- NFC Hierarchy/Obituary: Week 15
- What they're saying: Don't bank on another Foles miracle for Eagles after Wentz's latest injury
Matt Mullin
@matt_mullin | Email | Stories
SEASON RECORD: 6-7
PICK: Rams 34, Eagles 16
Honestly, I don't know if it'll even be that close. I had the Rams winning by a pair of touchdowns, and that was before Wentz's fractured back was revealed. Now, who knows?
Currently, we don't even know which quarterback we're going to see under center for the Eagles on Sunday night. It's likely going to be Nick Foles, but don't expect this to be anything like last year's game in L.A. when Foles took over for an injured Wentz and completed the victory.
Not only will Foles be asked to play the entire game, but this Eagles team is not last year's team. The defense will struggle mightily against the Rams potent offense, and I had a hard time not picking them to score 40-plus points in this one. Do you really see the Eagles offense really being able to keep pace with the Rams on Sunday night? Me neither.
Kyle Neubeck
@KyleNeubeck | Email | Stories
SEASON RECORD: 7-6
PICK: Rams 33, Eagles 14
With Carson Wentz at 100 percent, this would have been an uphill battle. Without him — or even with the banged-up version, if the Eagles are silly enough to play him — there’s no reason to believe this team has a shot.
Good luck, Nick Foles.
Joe Santoliquito
@JSantoliquito | Email | Stories
SEASON RECORD: 5-8
PICK: Rams 45, Eagles 20
I just can't see the Rams faltering at home this late in the season, while they're still playing for something. I know it's Christmas season, but this time, jolly St. Nick Foles won't have enough magic to beat a team that built and designed to win this year. This could get as ugly as the New Orleans game.
MORE: 'The Philly Godfather': The smart money is all over the Rams
Follow Matt on Twitter: @matt_mullin
Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice Sports