Five matchups to watch in Eagles-Rams playoff showdown

With each team coming off lopsided, double-digit playoff wins, it will be interesting to see who prevails and secures a spot in the NFC Championship game. 

Here are five matchups to watch during Sunday's showdown:

Vic Fangio vs. Sean McVay 

Two of the league's most brilliant minds will engage in a chess-like matchup on Sunday with longtime NFL defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and offensive mastermind Sean McVay on opposing sidelines. 

Fangio has impressed in his debut season with the Eagles and pioneered the No. 1 defense in the NFL. His unit shined in the Eagles' wild-card win over the Packers, in which they forced three turnovers and held Green Bay to 10 points.  

On the other side of the ball, the Rams got off to an explosive start to the postseason. McVay's offense scored twice in the first half on a stout Vikings defense and looks to deal more early damage on Sunday.

Saquon Barkley vs. Rams defense

Saquon Barkley put on a show against the Rams during their Week 12 matchup. The All-Pro running back rushed for 255 yards and scored on runs of 70 and 72 yards in the Eagles' win at SoFi Stadium. 

Should an encore performance be in store for the Eagles star, Philly could drub the Rams once more.

Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp vs. Eagles secondary

After facing the Packers' injury-riddled wide receiver core last week, the Eagles' secondary will be battle-tested this week against Rams stars Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. 

Despite both receivers missing time due to injury, the Rams duo combined for 1,700 receiving yards during the regular season. Now tasked with matchups against Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, the battle in the passing game will be interesting to watch. 

Kyren Williams vs. Eagles defense

Kyren Williams enjoyed a career year in Los Angeles. The bruising running back scored a rushing touchdown in all but five games and finished with 1,299 rushing yards, the seventh-highest total in the league.

Williams will have his work cut out for him on Sunday against the Eagles' No. 10-ranked rushing defense, though.

A.J. Brown vs. Rams secondary

Last week, Eagles star A.J. Brown made headlines for his sideline reading habits. This week, his on-field performance could thrust him into the spotlight once more. 

Against a Rams defense that ranked in the bottom half of the league against the pass, Brown could be due for a big game on Sunday. During their Week 12 matchup, Brown collected 109 yards and a touchdown. 

With a trip to the NFC Championship on the line, and in front of a rowdy Philadelphia crowd, it would not be surprising to see the Eagles lean on their star receiver on Sunday.