The Philadelphia Eagles crushed the Los Angeles Rams 37-20 on Sunday night, extending their winning streak to seven games. The victory was powered by a historic, career-best performance from running back Saquon Barkley, who single-handedly dismantled the Rams’ defense. This win solidifies the Eagles’ position as a top contender in the NFC, while the Rams are left questioning their path to the postseason.
A Record-Setting Performance by Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley didn’t just have a good game; he had one for the history books. The star running back was the undeniable engine of the Eagles’ offense, putting the team on his back from start to finish.
Barkley rushed for an incredible 255 yards and two touchdowns, marking the ninth-highest single-game rushing total in the history of the NFL. His performance was a masterclass in power, speed, and vision, leaving the Rams’ defense with no answers.
One of the night’s most electrifying moments was Barkley’s 65-yard touchdown run, where he broke several tackles and outran the secondary to find the end zone. This single play perfectly captured the essence of his dominant night. His effort has firmly inserted his name into the MVP conversation, proving that non-quarterbacks can be the most valuable players in the league.
Eagles Strengthen Their Hold on the NFC East
With this victory, the Eagles improved their record to a commanding 9-2. The win was made even sweeter by the Dallas Cowboys defeating the Washington Commanders earlier in the day, which gave Philadelphia a comfortable 2.5-game lead in their division.
The Eagles are not just focused on winning the NFC East; they have their eyes on a bigger prize. They are now just one game behind the Detroit Lions (10-1) for the number one seed in the NFC and a first-round playoff bye. Philadelphia is playing its best football at the most critical time of the season.
A Golden Opportunity Slips Through the Rams’ Fingers
The stakes could not have been higher for the Los Angeles Rams. A victory would have propelled them into first place in the NFC West, following a loss by the Arizona Cardinals. Instead, the team fell flat in a crucial primetime matchup.
The Rams’ defense was completely overwhelmed, particularly by the Eagles’ rushing attack. Offensively, they were unable to match Philadelphia’s pace and consistency. Now at 5-6, the Rams’ playoff hopes are in serious jeopardy. Their path forward is difficult, with critical divisional games still on the schedule.
- Week 17: vs. Arizona Cardinals
- Week 18: vs. Seattle Seahawks
These final games will likely decide whether Los Angeles makes it to the postseason or watches from home.
NFC Playoff Landscape
The outcome of this game caused significant ripples in the NFC playoff picture. The Eagles are cementing their status as an elite team, while the Rams are on the outside looking in. Here is a quick look at where these teams and others stand.
| Team | Record | Streak | Playoff Outlook |
| Detroit Lions | 10-1 | W6 | NFC’s Top Seed |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 9-2 | W7 | Strong Contenders |
| Seattle Seahawks | 6-5 | W1 | Wild Card Contenders |
| Los Angeles Rams | 5-6 | L1 | On the Brink |
The Eagles seem poised for a deep playoff run, but the Rams must find a way to win their remaining games to have a chance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rushing yards did Saquon Barkley have against the Rams?
Saquon Barkley had a career-high 255 rushing yards against the Los Angeles Rams, which is the ninth-most in a single game in NFL history.
What is the Philadelphia Eagles’ current record?
Following their win over the Rams, the Philadelphia Eagles’ record is 9-2. They are on a seven-game winning streak.
How did this loss affect the Los Angeles Rams’ playoff chances?
The loss dropped the Rams to a 5-6 record and significantly hurt their playoff chances. They missed an opportunity to take the lead in the NFC West and now face a difficult path to secure a spot in the postseason.
Who is leading the race for the NFC’s top playoff seed?
The Detroit Lions currently hold the top seed in the NFC with a 10-1 record. The Philadelphia Eagles are right behind them at 9-2, making it a tight race for the first-round bye.
