The Philadelphia Eagles secured a spot in the NFC Championship Game by defeating the Los Angeles Rams 28-22 in the divisional round, showcasing the incredible talent of Saquon Barkley, who rushed for a franchise-record 205 yards. Barkley's remarkable performance included two touchdown runs, one being a stunning 76-yarder in the fourth quarter, which ignited celebrations at Lincoln Financial Field. This victory was a continuation of Barkley's prowess against the Rams, having previously set a franchise record with 255 rushing yards in an earlier matchup.
Despite a safety that briefly narrowed the score, the Eagles' defense stepped up when it mattered most, with Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith Jr. forcing fumbles on consecutive drives, leading to critical field goals. Questions lingered about quarterback Jalen Hurts' health following a second-half injury, yet the Eagles' effective running game and strategic decisions helped them maintain control of the game. Coach Nick Sirianni faced scrutiny over clock management that resulted in a wasted opportunity for points before halftime, a gap that could have proven costly.