The Philadelphia Eagles may find an unexpected ally in their NFC Divisional Round playoff clash against the Los Angeles Rams: the weather.
An arctic front is set to sweep through the region just in time for Sunday’s 3 p.m. ET kickoff at Lincoln Financial Field, bringing plunging temperatures and the potential for snow.
The wintery forecast has already sparked excitement among Eagles fans, invoking memories of iconic cold-weather games, such as the unforgettable 2013 "Snow Bowl" against the Detroit Lions. In that game, LeSean McCoy powered through blizzard conditions for a franchise-record 217 rushing yards – a record that stood until Saquon Barkley shattered it with 255 yards earlier this season against these same Rams.
The timing couldn’t be better for the Eagles, who are looking to shake off offensive sluggishness following their 22-10 wild-card victory over the Green Bay Packers. Philadelphia managed just 290 total yards in that game, including a mere 121 through the air. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, playing in his first game since suffering a concussion in Week 16, showed some rust, and the offense struggled to generate explosive plays.
A snow-filled game could play into the Eagles' hands, allowing their powerful ground game, led by Barkley, to take center stage. Barkley’s ability to thrive in tough weather conditions could give Philadelphia a significant edge, especially against a Rams team unaccustomed to playing in cold, snowy environments.
Los Angeles faces a daunting task if the forecast holds. The Rams’ high-powered offense, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, is built on precision and timing – traits that can falter in adverse weather conditions. History also suggests that warm-weather teams tend to struggle when forced to play in snow-filled playoff games at Lincoln Financial Field.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner of this matchup will advance to the NFC Championship Game to face either the Washington Commanders or Detroit Lions. For Eagles fans, the thought of watching the Rams attempt to navigate a snowstorm at the Linc only adds to the anticipation of this crucial playoff battle.
