Despite the fact that the Eagles destroyed the Lions last season, I believe this is a pretty intriguing game.
On paper the Eagles did get a lot better, and I think they have a real shot at winning the NFC East Division. The Lions got better too though.
Logically, the Eagles would still be the favorite. Nevertheless, I still think the Lions could give the Eagles a run for their money.
Notable additions for the Eagles include stud WR A.J. Brown, MASSIVE rookie defensive tackle Jordan Davis, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and linebacker Haason Reddick. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts has high expectations entering his third season. He has solid weapons surrounding him and frankly a pretty solid team overall. If he can take a big step in year three, the Eagles could be a major threat in the league.
Also worth noting about the Eagles and their QB situation is the fact that their backup QB is actually pretty young and hungry himself. Their QB2 is none other than Gardner Minshew, and not too long ago he was a starting QB for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He's won games in the league and is only 26 himself. In my opinion, he could actually be better than Jalen. If Jalen happens to not be the guy for Philly, QB2 might just be able to save the day.
For the Lions, they have actually constructed a well balanced team for the most part. QB Jared Goff is really not that bad as the media may portray him to be, he's sort of Chad Pennington with a mildly stronger arm. Last season, Goff was pretty much thrusted into Detroit and I feel like he was pretty shook by the change. Perhaps now he's more comfortable in his new situation heading into his second season with the team.
Elsewhere on the Lions they actually seem pretty average, which is not a bad thing. Frankly on paper they seem really average, but it just takes a couple of players to exceed expectations for the Lions to maybe surprise some folks. I like their running back D'Andre Swift a lot. Head Coach Dan Campbell is an old school, straight forward coach. Lastly, their first round draft pick defensive end Aidan Hutchinson very well might be the rookie of the year by season's end.
Many people think this game will be an easy dub for the Eagles, but the only reason I'm a bit hesitant is because of ALL the new pieces in Philly. They simply could be rusty in week one together. Combine that with the fact that the Lions are pretty much bringing back everyone and are at home underdogs, this could be a dog fight of a game.
Screw it, I am predicting a pretty major upset. I got the Lions winning 30-27!
Leave those predictions below!!
Past Three Lions-Eagles Matchups!
- Halloween 2021 Eagles Win 44-6
- September 22nd, 2019 - Lions Win 27-24
- October 9th 2016 - Lions Win 24-23
