Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

By Aaron Kasinitz | akasinitz@pennlive.com

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COSTA MESA, Calif — The Philadelphia Eagles' game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday will bring together a pair of rising NFC contenders that have ridden second-year quarterbacks to startling success in 2017.

The Birds took Carson Wentz with the No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft, one spot after the Rams made Jared Goff the top selection. And both teams are reaping the benefits from those decisions with high-powered offenses, setting the stage for a meaningful contest Sunday.

Here’s a look at four stats to know as Philadelphia (10-2) gears up for the challenge of playing the Rams (9-3).

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1) Jared Goff ranks second in the NFL with 50 passes of 20 or more yards, while the Eagles have given up a league-low 27 passes of 20 or more yards

Goff’s been able to throw the ball downfield as successfully this season as any quarterback in the NFL aside from the Saints’ Drew Brees, and that’s made Los Angeles’ top-scoring offense electric. Coach Sean McVay crafted a vertical passing attack built around Goff’s strong arm that’s produced eye-opening results.

On the flip side, though, the Eagles’ defense has kept opponents from making many big plays down the field this year. Philly’s fierce pass rush has pressured quarterbacks who want to throw downfield, and the secondary has adopted an approach of sagging off receivers to eliminate deep routes.

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Why it matters Sunday

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The Eagles’ secondary experienced a few letdowns against the Seahawks in last week’s loss, the team’s first setback in 10 games. Goff and the Rams will be sure to test Philadelphia again Sunday, and the Birds will be itching to prove that they haven’t grown vulnerable to big plays while on the West Coast.

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2) The Eagles have lost the turnover battle in two straight games after doing so just once in their first 10 contests

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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) fumbles the ball near the goal line and into the end zone as Seattle Seahawks' Earl Thomas (29) and Sheldon Richardson (91) moved in in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

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Philadelphia survived a mistaken-ridden performance against the Bears on Nov. 26, but two giveaways against the Seahawks played a part in a 14-point defeat. The Eagles also didn’t force a turnover against Seattle, marking the second time this year they’ve failed to do so.

This year, the Birds are 0-2 when they finish a game without a takeaway. They’re 10-0 when they get at least one.

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Why it matters Sunday

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Since their bye week, the Rams have committed just three turnovers in five games, and Goff’s thrown a measly six interceptions on the season despite a tendency to throw deep. It’ll be interesting to see how aggressive the Eagles are on defense on the heels of a loss, but Sunday’s game might also provide a chance for the Birds to prove they can earn a win without forcing a turnover.

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3) Three Rams receivers -- and one running back -- have over 500 receiving yards this season

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (18) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against Arizona Cardinals at Twickenham Stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)

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The Rams rival the Eagles in terms of offensive balance, and that’s helped them weather the absence of leading receiver Robert Woods, who’s likely to miss Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury. Sammy Watkins and rookie Cooper Kupp can pick up the slack on the outside, while running back Todd Gurley offers Los Angeles a dynamic weapon; he has 939 rushing yards on the season and 563 receiving yards.

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Why it matters Sunday

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From Travis Kelce to Jason Witten to Jimmy Graham, the Eagles have faced a steady dose of talented tight ends this year, and they’ve often survived thanks to a top-tier safety tandem. But the Rams offense presents a different challenge. Cupp and Watkins can stress Philadelphia’s cornerbacks, and linebackers like Nigel Bradham and Mychal Kendricks will likely spend time Sunday covering Gurley across the middle of the field. Those matchups could dictate the result.

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4) The Rams give up a touchdown on 59.4 percent of red zone trips, which ranks 24th in the NFL

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Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

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The Eagles, meanwhile, lead the NFL by scoring touchdowns on more than 68 percent of their opportunities inside the 20-yard line. So, this leaves the Rams with a disadvantage on paper in a key area, and it might offer hope that the Birds can rebound after struggling to polish off drives against the Seahawks.

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Why it matters Sunday

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Los Angeles has been able to win games this season in part because opponents have had trouble keeping pace with its offense. But the Eagles have plenty of oomph on both sides of the ball. If this game comes down to one or two plays, as so many in December do, any advantage the Birds have in the red zone will be crucial.

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