Eagles vs. Rams predictions: Rounding up experts’ predictions ahead of a Week 4 showdown at the Linc
Will the Eagles get back to winning ways? Here's what The Inquirer's experts and others think.
The Eagles don’t have it easy after their first loss of the season. Up next, they’ll face the Los Angeles Rams, whose 1-2 record isn’t reflective of their strength.
The Birds’ first loss came in prime time against the Bears on Monday Night Football, during which the offense put up just seven points. The Rams endured a Denver Broncos’ comeback on Sunday night for their second loss of the 2026 season.
» READ MORE: Inquirer writers' predictions for Eagles vs. Rams
The Eagles, however, will be without No. 1 wide receiver DeVonta Smith, while the Rams are getting a star wideout back in Puka Nacua.
Let’s take a look at who the media is picking:
Inquirer predictions
The Inquirer’s beat reporters had full faith in the Eagles last week, but after their loss to the Bears, our writers don’t have much confidence in the Birds anymore.
Jeff Neiburg has the Rams winning, 30-20, as his concerns about the defense have grown following the Eagles’ first loss of the year.
Ryan Novozinsky, meanwhile, is picking Los Angeles because of the Eagles’ wide receiver situation. With Smith unlikely to play, things look a bit bleak for the Birds’ passing game.
National media predictions
NFL.com: The Rams edged out the Eagles for the majority this week by the NFL.com analysts. Brooke Cersosimo and Gennaro Filice are the two picking the Birds; Filice cited Rams coach Sean McVay’s poor record all-time against them as a reason for his decision.
ESPN.com: All of ESPN’s experts picked the Rams over the Eagles.
The Athletic: Chad Graff is the lone reporter picking the Eagles over the Rams, with his six colleagues backing Los Angeles on the road.
CBS Sports: This seven-person panel had one more Eagles selection than the Athletic’s, with Pete Prisco and Jamey Eisenberg picking the Birds to win at home.
USA Today: All six reporters picked Los Angeles to win. “Both teams have reason to be irritated. I give Los Angeles the edge, helped by an extra day of rest and Matthew Stafford’s ability to attack a Philadelphia defense that gave [Case] Keenum room to operate,” Adam Kaufman wrote.
Sports Illustrated: Senior editor Mitch Goldich is the only expert backing the Eagles.
Bleacher Report: Once again, only one expert has picked the Eagles. Brent Sobleski wrote, “Don’t count these Eagles out. Despite Philadelphia looking like the bad version from last season while playing the Case Keenum-led Bears, Nick Sirianni’s group knows how to respond. The team has gone through stretches of stagnation before and tended to bounce back.”
Pro Football Talk: Mike Florio has the Rams winning, 30-20. “Last year, a wild play on a game-winning field-goal attempt by the Rams gave the Eagles a win. This year, the Rams will make sure to not let it be that close,” he wrote.
Sporting News: Bill Bender also has Los Angeles taking home a win, 28-24.
» READ MORE: What to know about tailgating changes coming for Eagles home games
Local media predictions
Philly Voice: Jimmy Kempski picked the visiting team, writing that “the Eagles have looked sloppy, disorganized, and they have surprisingly been beaten in the trenches through the first three weeks of the season.”
Bleeding Green Nation: The staff is split on who’s winning Sunday, with three writers taking the Eagles and the other three picking the Rams.
Delaware Online: Out of the 11 reporters making picks, eight backed the Rams.
Turf Show Times: Steven Ridings has Los Angeles winning a close one.
Just a few months ago, when Eagles training camp got underway, the defense drew rave reviews. The prevailing sentiment was that the unit was poised to dominate this year. So far through three games, Vic Fangio’s group has done anything but. From the lack of forced turnovers to missed coverage assignments, the Eagles have plenty of room for improvement. Can Fangio work his magic to get the defense on track in time for this week’s showdown with the high-powered LA Rams? The Inquirer’s Jeff McLane puts the defense under the microscope, and also answers listener questions in this week’s mailbag. Listen here.
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