NFC Rival ‘Built to Beat’ Eagles in 2025, Hall of Famer Says

Winning back-to-back Super Bowls won’t be an easy task for the Philadelphia Eagles, but they’re as well-equipped to do it as any team in recent years.

They still have Saquon Barkley, who delivered one of the most dominant seasons in recent NFL history during the team’s 2024 campaign. In his first year with the Eagles, he amassed 2,005 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns over 16 games, leading the league in both categories. His 5.8 yards per carry ranked second among running backs.

Barkley became just the ninth player ever to rush over 2,000 yards in a season and went on to set the NFL record for single-season rushing yards (including the playoffs), totaling 2,504 yards.

Despite that dominance, former Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame RB Jerome Bettis thinks the Los Angeles Rams are “built to beat” the Eagles.

A Closer Look at What the L.A. Rams Are Bringing in 2025

In snowy conditions at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field in the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs last year, the Eagles defeated the Rams, 28–22. The game was defined by Barkley’s dominance — he finished with 205 rushing yards, including TD runs of 62 and 78 yards — nearly single-handedly dismantling L.A.

But Sean McVay and company have endeavored to reshape their defense this offseason.

Led by reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, the Rams made notable additions to their defensive front seven. The additions of veteran defensive tackle Poona Ford and rookie Ty Hamilton are expected to solidify the interior. Ford, who logged 39 tackles and 3 sacks in 2024, brings proven run-stuffing ability, and Verse is an absolute monster.

In an exclusive interview with RG.org’s DJ Siddiqi, Bettis says he thinks the Rams defense coupled with veteran Matthew Stafford leading the offense will be a force to be reckoned with, and not just in the NFC East.

“They have a great quarterback,” Bettis said about the Rams. “They’ve got some really, really outstanding receivers. The running game is going to be solid. They’re maybe a cornerback away, an impact secondary guy away from being really, really special. When you’ve got a really good coach and a good quarterback, you’re going to be in the conversation. So yes, the Rams will be a really good football team this year.”

Jerome Bettis: Rams Are ‘Built to Beat’ the Eagles in 2025

“In their division, they are the favorites,” Bettis added, in reference to the Rams. “I think the Niners are going to be good, but not great. The Rams definitely have an advantage on that side. I think the team they’re going to have to beat is going to be the Eagles. They’re going to be right back at it again. They’re built to beat the Eagles, and if they can slow down the running game, they’ve got a chance.”

While it’s true the Rams should be a contender, it remains to be seen if Stafford and company can take Vic Fangio’s defense to school. Even if the Rams’ pass rush were to keep the Eagles’ offense in check, their own offense will also have to deal with one of the league’s stingiest defenses.

Promising secondary duo Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are returning and healthy for Philly, and so is All-Pro defensive tackle Jalen Carter.

The Eagles should also boast a fearsome pass rush led by Nolan Smith, who was recently named one of PFF’s “secret superstars”. If the Rams’ offensive line struggles to protect Stafford, or if their young wideouts fail to create any separation, the Rams could once again find themselves outmatched.

It’ll be interesting to see how The Bus’s predictions play out.