Eagles vs. Rams Week 12 Preview: Key matchups, stats, official prediction

The Eagles look to extend their winning streak to seven games as they head West to take on Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and the 5-5 Los Angeles Rams in Week 12.

Here are three key matchups to watch on Sunday night:

AJ Brown vs. Rams secondary

With WR DeVonta Smith ruled out with a hamstring injury, AJ Brown will shoulder the receiving workload. He’ll likely see Ahkello Witherspoon on the outside as the Rams’ other starting corner, Darioius Williams, is only 5’9″ and wouldn’t stand a chance against Brown.

Witherspoon has given up 15 catches on 20 targets this season and allows a 122.5 passer rating when targeted; there should be plenty of opportunities for Brown to do damage.

If Drake Maye can carve up this Rams defense (282 passing yards last week), Jalen Hurts should do the same.

AJ Brown had six receptions for 127 yards against Rams last year.

⭐️️ A.J. Brown is always open!@1kalwaysopen_ | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/AeTJKfJ4o5

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 22, 2024

Jared Verse vs. Jordan Mailata

Defensive Rookie of the Year honors could be decided on Sunday.

Rams edge-rusher Jared Verse is having a stellar rookie season and it’s no surprise why he’s the leading candidate for the award.

DROY odds as of this weekend — Jared Verse: -175, Quinyon Mitchell: +250

Verse has recorded 4.5 sacks, 48 pressures, 14 QB hits, and two forced fumbles through ten games; that’s a ton of production for a rookie.

Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata will be the man responsible for nullifying Verse. If he can do so, the DROY race becomes tighter should Quinyon Mitchell have another impressive outing.

Mailata has only given up one QB hit and zero sacks this season.

What a play by the rookie 💪 @JaredVerse1 pic.twitter.com/sxNED2Xm9m

— NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2024

Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean vs. Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp

As mentioned above, Quinyon Mitchell’s next test won’t be easy.

Nacua and Kupp combined for 13 catches, 229 receiving yards, and three touchdowns last week against New England. LA’s offense is healthy and red-hot after being injured for much of the year.

Cooper DeJean will likely follow Kupp around in the slot, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Sean McVay scheme his receiver away from him. DeJean leads the NFL in fewest yards allowed per attempt as the nearest defender (3.9), per Next Gen Stats.

Nobody expects Quinyon Mitchell to mimic his performance vs. Terry McLaurin from last week, but watching him against a player who broke the rookie receiving record in 2023 will be fun.

The Eagles have the No. 2 ranked pass defense coming into Week 12, allowing just 173.2 passing yards per game.

Terry McLaurin vs. Quinyon Mitchell —

• 20 routes run
• Zero targets
• Zero receptions
• Zero yards

Prison 🔒 pic.twitter.com/tru1DTBWfc

— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) November 15, 2024

The Rams will serve as another good test for Philly’s vaunted defense, but they should be able to handle it.

Kyren Williams has returned to earth, and Matthew Stafford has scrambled exactly zero times on 369 dropbacks this year. If Vic Fangio can dial up pressure and force Stafford into mistakes (he’s thrown interceptions in six of his last seven games), the Eagles will pull away in this one.

Official Prediction: Eagles 31, Rams 17

Eagles defense has been lock down so far this season. 🔒 pic.twitter.com/HHu1eCfqI4

— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) November 23, 2024