The Eagles walked off the field in Chicago last week after a 27-7 loss, and now Lincoln Financial Field becomes the place where they must answer back. On Sunday, Oct. 4, Philadelphia will welcome the Los Angeles Rams in a Week 4 matchup that feels bigger than two early records. The Eagles are 2-1 and trying to prove their rough Monday night was a stumble, not a slide. The Rams are 1-2, but their powerful offense has already shown it can make any game a race.

Los Angeles has gained nearly 418 yards per game, far more than Philadelphia’s 302. That does not guarantee a win, but it shows why the Rams are dangerous. Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford gets the ball out quickly and trusts his star targets. Davante Adams has been his hottest weapon so far, with 358 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He uses sharp cuts and strong hands to make difficult catches, especially when defenders are close.

Puka Nacua could add another problem for the Eagles if his hip allows him to play. Nacua has appeared in only one game this season, yet he already gives Stafford another receiver who can turn a short catch into a long gain. The Rams also have Kyren Williams, a patient runner who waits for openings and fights for extra yards. Williams has 214 rushing yards and has caught 11 passes, making him a threat whether Stafford hands him the ball or throws it to him.

Philadelphia’s defense must slow that three-part attack while dealing with several key injury questions. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter and cornerback Cooper DeJean are both questionable. Carter can push the middle of the line backward, while DeJean helps cover speedy receivers. If either player cannot go, the Rams could find more room to attack.

Still, the Eagles have their own stars ready to change the story. Jalen Hurts has thrown five touchdown passes in three games, and DeVonta Smith has already caught 19 passes. Smith is not the biggest target, but his quick routes can shake free from defenders. Hurts can also run when a play breaks down, and Philadelphia’s short-yardage push remains one of football’s toughest plays to stop.

The biggest question is whether the Eagles can protect the ball. They have given it away more often than they have taken it away, and mistakes hurt them badly against Chicago. They also may be without tight end Dallas Goedert, who is doubtful with a knee injury, while Smith and running back Saquon Barkley are questionable. Barkley has run hard for 174 yards, and his availability matters because the Eagles want to control the game with their physical ground attack.

This matchup is like a tug-of-war between Philadelphia’s desire to slow the game down and Los Angeles’ urge to speed it up. The Eagles have the home crowd and the tougher bounce-back mission, but the Rams have moved the ball well even in their losses. Prediction: The Rams will win because Stafford, Adams and Williams give Los Angeles more ways to strike if the game becomes a fourth-quarter shootout.

Rams Bring Their Big-Pass Attack to Philadelphia