'They’re built to beat the Eagles' -- NFL legend has tons of faith in the Los Angeles Rams ahead of intriguing 2025 season

The Philadelphia Eagles were dominant a season ago. Plain and simple. The Los Angeles Rams were arguably their greatest competition in the postseason, but they feel just short in the Divisional Round. It did not come with a lack of big-time plays or performances from LA, though. 

Kyren Williams averaged 5.6 yards per carry. Four different Rams wideouts had over fifty yards receiving. On defense, Jared Verse had two sacks and three tackles for loss. Their top-tier talent showed up to prove their value on both sides of the football for the Rams. 

In 2025, expectations are high for both teams, but one former NFL star thinks the Rams could get revenge after the divisional defeat last season. He's got a lot of confidence in their young talent and quarterback Matthew Stafford leading the charge for Sean McVay's squad. 

Jerome Bettis gives major credit to Rams

Bettis thinks that the Rams are the NFC West favorites, but he does realize that the San Francisco 49ers could enjoy a bounce back campaign if they stay healthy. Bettis' belief in Los Angeles centers around their overall roster construction and head coach.

“They have a great quarterback. They’ve got some really, really outstanding receivers. The running game is going to be solid. They’re maybe a cornerback away, an impact secondary guy away from being really, really special. When you’ve got a really good coach and a good quarterback, you’re going to be in the conversation. So yes, the Rams will be a really good football team this year.” -- RG.org

In this interview with RG, Bettis also notes that the Rams could beat the Eagles in a rematch this postseason. It's going to take a specific game plan and particular execution from McVay's team, though. 

"I think the team they’re going to have to beat is going to be the Eagles. They’re going to be right back at it again. They’re built to beat the Eagles, and if they can slow down the running game, they’ve got a chance.” -- RG.org

Biggest threat to the Eagles

Are the Rams truly the biggest threat to Philly's success and potential repeat as Super Bowl champion? I discussed that premise with A to Z's Eagles expert, Kelsey Kramer. Check out what she had to say below. 

It may be only apart of the reason for addressing their defensive holes but the Rams certainly did their homework over offseason after getting crushed by Saquon Barkley’s 204 rushing yards and two scores in the NFC Divisional Round game last season. 

To go alongside 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, LA drafted rookie Ty Hamilton out of Ohio State and signed stud veteran defensive tackle Poona Ford in NFL free agency. 

Meanwhile in Philly, they lost some key pieces to their defensive and offensive line. But regardless of those losses, Howie Roseman has done a great job of making sure their depth chart runs deep in both departments. 

That said, the Rams may have a better chance at slowing down Barkley this fall but I wouldn’t say they’re automatically built to beat the Birds in 2025. -- Kelsey Kramer