The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for more than just a battle against Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams on Jan. 19. With a trip to the NFC Championship Game at stake, the Divisional Round playoff clash at Lincoln Financial Field may also feature an added wild card: snow. Forecasts indicate a 75% chance of wintry conditions and precipitation, which could play a pivotal role in shaping both teams game plans.
For Eagles superstar running back Saquon Barkley, however, the snow is just another variable in an already high-stakes matchup.
Is Saquon Barkley Ready To Play in the Snow Against the Rams?
“I’ve been around this my whole life. It’s nothing new to me,” Barkley said when asked about the potential snow game. “But I don’t buy into the weather thing. Whoever comes out there and executes is going to be the team to win.”
Barkley revealed he’ll be relying on vice president of equipment operations Greg Delimitros for advice on what cleats to wear. The running back admitted he was “stubborn” in a previous game against the Packers in Brazil, opting against wearing studs and slipping early in the game.
Barkley also told reporters that he plans to consult a player who thrived in similar conditions: former Eagles running back LeSean “Shady” McCoy.
“Watching Shady, his highlights, probably one of his most memorable games,” Barkley said, referencing McCoy’s iconic 217-yard performance in a blizzard against the Detroit Lions in 2013.
“He had another one in Buffalo too, where he played in a snow game. I’m definitely going to call Shady just in case we do get some snow and see what he did. It doesn’t make sense how he was able to cut in that snow. You could just see he was on a whole different level.”
Saquon Barkley says he’ll be calling LeSean McCoy for advice on how to play in the snow pic.twitter.com/VssTi2NM1v
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) January 17, 2025
Matthew Stafford’s Snow Struggles?
The potential snowstorm may also favor the Eagles from a defensive perspective. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has historically struggled in poor weather, compiling a 1-8 record in outdoor games played in rain or snow.
In those nine games, Stafford completed just 54.6% of his passes with a 76.0 passer rating. Those numbers could make it an uphill battle for Los Angeles, especially against an Eagles defense ranked among the league’s best.
Rams’ QB Matthew Stafford does NOT have a good track record when playing in rain/snow games, and it’s expected to snow in Philadelphia on Sunday🥶
Stafford in rain/snow conditions📉
🔶1-8
🔶54.6 completion %
🔶14 TDs/11 INTs
🔶76.0 passer rating pic.twitter.com/BdfXjNy0iR— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) January 17, 2025
The Eagles and Rams last faced off in Week 12, with Barkley having a performance for the ages at SoFi Stadium. That night, Barkley rushed for 255 yards, including two 70+ yard touchdowns, breaking the franchise record for most rush yards in a game, while powering Philadelphia to a decisive 37-20 victory.
For the Eagles, the snow might feel less like an obstacle and more like a home-field advantage. Unlike the Rams who play in one of the warmest cities in the U.S., the Eagles have the luxury of playing in front of their home crowd, a passionate fan base that has embraced tough weather as part of the team’s identity.
With the game on home turf and a roaring crowd behind them, Philadelphia’s odds of advancing look strong.
