In Week 3 of this 2025 regular season, the Eagles play an opponent that is probably the most complete team they've faced to date. The 2-0 Los Angeles Rams are in town, featuring an explosive, wall-to-wall dangerous offense; a defense led by a front four that is dynamic and dangerous; and a special teams unit that can bust a game open at any time.

Oh, and in Sean McVay, they have one of the most respected and most accomplished head coaches in the NFL.

So yes, Sunday is going to be a titanic battle of two of the league's best teams who played each other as recently as last January when Philadelphia defeated Los Angeles 28-22 at Lincoln Financial Field in the NFC Divisional Round of the postseason.

Here are some storylines to follow with a huge Sunday just in front of us ...

1. RB Saquon Barkley is in focus, that's for sure

He always is, but the Rams have maybe just a bit more incentive here: Barkley ran for 255 yards, including scores of 70 and 72 yards, and totaled 302 yards from scrimmage as the Eagles beat Los Angeles out on the West Coast. In the playoff win, Barkley gained 205 yards, with touchdown runs of 62 and 78 yards. Amazing stuff. And, clearly, something the Rams don't want to allow to happen again.

"We know we're always going to get the best shot from every team and the Rams are no different," Barkley said. "We've seen it this season, how teams are playing us and how many players they have in the box (to stop the running game). We just have to go out and execute our game plan and, whatever play is called, go out there and do our jobs. It's not like we're going to stop running the football. That's a key part in what we do. I'm sure the Rams will have their plan and we will have ours."

2. Which leads to … Los Angeles is really, really good up front

Los Angeles sacked quarterback Jalen Hurts seven times in the playoff win, led by end Jared Verse. Already, the Rams have recorded eight quarterback sacks in two wins. They have aggressiveness, youth, speed, talent.

It is a matchup of their best against the Eagles' best.

"You can't let down at all against them, or make a mistake, because they will make you pay," left tackle Jordan Mailata said. "We know this is an outstanding group. We are an outstanding group. This is what gets you excited about the games, right? You see the best against the best and that's what we have on Sunday."

Said center Cam Jurgens: "I know it's a cliché, but it's true – games are won and lost in the trenches. We always feel that way, so we have a challenge and we're going to be ready for it. I respect what the Rams do and we know they're one of the best groups in the league that we will face."

3. A young defense goes against a master at QB

Matthew Stafford is in his 17th NFL season and is one of the most talented throwers in the league. He still gets the football out of his hands quickly, accurately, and with zip. He moves in and out of the pocket, even after experiencing back pain in the summer. Stafford has completed 44 of 62 passes for 543 yards, 3 touchdowns, and an interception this season as the Rams have gotten better and better offensively. And, of course, has great receivers, led by wideouts Puca Nacua and Davante Adams and supplemented by good tight ends and depth.

The youngest-in-the-NFL Eagles defense has had an impressive start to 2025 and this will be its biggest test by far. Should be a great challenge for all 60 minutes.

4. Eagles looking for more explosives

Philadelphia has done a lot of the right things offensively in its two wins: zero giveaways and touchdowns in the red zone and a solid running game. All good stuff. But the Eagles have talked this week about having more explosive plays, more "X" plays in the passing game and in the running game. This is another chance to do so. Los Angeles has had some injury challenges in its secondary, so the Eagles could have some opportunities here. But we shall see. The Eagles need to protect Jalen Hurts and the plays have to develop down the field. It is helpful to have tight end Dallas Goedert back on the field – he practiced fully on Friday and is good to go barring any setback after missing last week's game. Getting some "chunk" plays would really help this offense, as it does every team's offense.

5. Setting the tempo is a good idea

Los Angeles wants to move the ball up and down the field and strike quickly and the Rams have had moments doing just that this season. For the Eagles, would a good approach be to eat some clock, move the sticks with a short passing game and the running game and … hey, who knows? But the key is that the Eagles have dominated in time of possession this season in their two wins and that is important to continue in this big-time game on Sunday.