It’s likely that 99 percent of Eagles fans marked a “W” next to Week 14 vs. the Rams when the NFL schedule was released in April.

Aside from Jared Goff and Carson Wentz sharing a stage for the first time since being selected first and second overall, respectively, in the 2016 NFL Draft, the game had little appeal. It was easily chalked up as one of the nine to 10 games most thought the Eagles would win this season.

Eight months later, all of the presumptions have been tossed out the window. Wentz and Goff have led their teams to 19 combined victories in 2017, with just five losses between the two clubs. In 2016, the duo lost seven games in December alone.

With the Rams just one game behind Philadelphia for the NFC’s No. 2 seed, this game has suddenly become one of the week’s marquee matchups. After last Sunday’s mistake-filled loss in Seattle, a loss for the Birds would complete their fall from grace. It would also leave them in jeopardy of having to play a wild-card game in the playoffs.

A win, however, could accomplish two things for the Eagles: It would make them NFC East champions — although a Dallas loss to the Giants earlier in the afternoon would accomplish that — and it would allow them to focus on securing home-field for the playoffs.

Here are the Eagles Wire staff predictions for the Week 14 clash with the Rams:

Turron Davenport

The Eagles are looking to bounce back from a tough loss last week, but it won’t be an easy feat in L.A. Philadelphia’s front seven will need to get to Jared Goff early and often as well as contain running back Todd Gurley. With both teams averaging 30 points per game, the Eagles will pull out the win in a shootout and improve to 11-2.

Final Score: Eagles 35, Rams 28

David Hennessey

Both the Rams and Philadelphia have surpassed expectations this year with high-flying offenses and stingy defenses. In Seattle, the Eagles suffered their first loss since Week 2, so they’ll look to get back on track by slowing down Gurley and getting pressure on Goff. The Rams are a tough competitor in the NFC, but the Eagles are hungry for a victory and should be able to right the ship in an important game in Los Angeles.

Final Score: Eagles 31, Rams 21

Mo Brewington

The Eagles step into an inferno this Sunday, both figuratively and literally. A loss to the Rams would put Philadelphia on a path for the wild-card round and leave them on the losing end of the tiebreaker with three out of five potential playoff contenders. The Birds’ mettle will be tested in their first must-win game of the year.

Final Score: Eagles 23, Rams 19

Ed Kracz

So the Eagles aren’t going 15-1 after all. The trick is not to lose a second straight game and slip to 10-3, because then earning a first-round bye in the playoffs could be in jeopardy. Spending a week in beautiful Costa Mesa may feel too much like a vacation for the Eagles, and I think that dooms them.

Final Score: Rams 27, Eagles 23

Sean Douglas

After a tough loss to the Seahawks, it doesn’t get any easier for Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon against the Rams in a game that could define their season as well as their playoff positioning. The Eagles lost to the Chiefs in Week 2, then rattled off nine consecutive wins, showing that they can handle adversity. If the Eagles’ offensive line can protect Wentz and their defense can get back to the way they have played in recent weeks, they will pull out a close one.

Final Score: Eagles 21, Rams 20

Lee Sifford

Although this is the first matchup between Wentz and Goff, the winner of this game will ultimately be decided by the rushing attack that proves to be more potent. After a tough loss in Seattle, Doug Pederson’s team will rebound strongly. The dangerous trio of Jay Ajayi, LeGarrette Blount and Corey Clement will show up ready to play, and the Eagles return to Philadelphia victorious.

Final Score: Eagles 27, Rams 21