The Divisional Round matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles is shaping up to be a highly intense affair. Aside from the inherent elevated tension that comes with the magnitude of the game, the two sides have been butting heads ever since the match was finalized.
However, Los Angeles fans look away: The Rams fanbase was dealt a heartbreaking blow early in the weekend, with former franchise superstar Todd Gurley ditching the Rams’ colors in favor of the Eagles.
Todd Gurley Makes a Tough Decision
Gurley spent six years of his career with the Rams, starting in St. Louis before the team moved to Los Angeles. In that timeframe, he quickly became one of the most explosive running backs in the game, starting his career with an Offensive Rookie of the Year selection.
Over the next three seasons, he would total three All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections while leading the league in rushing touchdowns twice. Even though injuries cut his career short with the Rams, and subsequently, in the NFL as a whole, Gurley made an indelible impact on the franchise.
Which is what made his betrayal all the more unbelievable. During a Facebook live, Gurley showed up in an all-green Philadelphia Eagles jersey, rocking Jalen Hurts’ number. He did offer some explanation, though, for his fashion choice.
“We’re gonna start with the fit today. This is the type of fit that only winners wear. Football isn’t a sport, man. It’s a way of life. Lot of dedication, lot of hard work. Philly Green.”
Former #Rams RB Todd Gurley rocking a Jalen Hurts jersey ahead of this week’s matchup: “This the type of fit only winners wear.. Philly Green.”
(via his Facebook) pic.twitter.com/tUCjqKb2ey
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) January 18, 2025
To think what Jared Verse would say. Ahead of the Divisional Round matchup between the respective division winners, the biggest matchup to look out for is the Los Angeles offense going up against the Eagles’ defense.
The Rams boast the 11th-best offense in the league according to PFN’s Offense+ metric. However, they are going up against a Philly team that ranked second in PFN’s Defense+ metric and that’s coming off a three-interception game against Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers.
In contrast, the No. 14-ranked offense of Philadelphia, led by the quarterbacking of Hurts, who finished with a No. 4 ranking (88.7) and B+ grade in PFN’s QB+ metric during the regular season, and a historic season from Saquon Barkley, is going up against one of the worst defenses in the league, ranked 24th in Defense+.
However, Los Angeles didn’t allow a single opponent to score beyond 10 points in its final four games of the regular season before a meaningless Week 18 game where they rested all starters.
Even in the Wild Card Round, the unit showed its high upside, holding the Minnesota Vikings, who rank above the Eagles on offense, to just nine points.
It’s almost assuredly going to be a close encounter, but it’s clear that the battle lines have been drawn.