3 Biggest X-Factors For Eagles to Take Down Rams in Week 4

The Philadelphia Eagles will be looking to get back on track after a blowout loss to the Chicago Bears earlier this week.

Philadelphia will be taking on the Los Angeles Rams this week, hosting them at Lincoln Financial Field. Both the Eagles and Rams need a win in the worst way, creating a potentially entertaining game all around.

Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Eagles to earn their third win of the season over Los Angeles:

1. Makai Lemon Breakout

With star wide receiver DeVonta Smith ruled out of this game, the Eagles will be counting on others to step up in his absence. One of these players will be rookie Makai Lemon, whom the Eagles have been very high on this season.

So far this year, Lemon hasn't done too much, but without Smith, he will be given a chance to show what he can do. For the year, Lemon has caught seven passes for 38 yards through the first three games.

Lemon is going to need to put together a strong showing against the Rams for the Eagles to grab the win. If he can't, the offensive problems of Philadelphia will likely continue. 

2. Saquon Barkley Gets Back to the Basics

The 2026 season has been a strange one for star running back Saquon Barkley, with the veteran starting the year off slowly. Barkley did suffer a stinger in Week 2, forcing him out of the game for some time.

But overall, the normally strong performer has been limited this season. On the year, Barkelyt has rushed for 174 yards, but he hasn't scored a touchdown on the ground.

Against the Rams, Barkley is going to be counted on very heavily, especially with Smith out of this game. Rams stra defensive tackle Aaron Donald won't be playing in his matchup, giving Barkley a better chance to dominate on the field.

3. Eagles Defense Finally Comes to Play

Normally, the Eagles have been a strong defensive team, but this team there have been some cracks starting to show. While Phialdelphia has done decently, the level of defense hasn't been up to par with what this team has typically seen.

Against the Rams, the Eagles' defense will be tested, with Los Angeles having all sorts of playmakers on the field. But Philadelphia also has plenty of talent on defense, and it could be a heavyweight fight between the units.

If the Eagles' defense can bend, but not break again, it would allow the offense to do enough to win the game. This team needs a sturdy performance from the defense heading into this game, especially after they got torn up last week.