Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham tackles Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff during the second half at Ford Field, Sept. 11, 2022...Nfl Philadelphia Eagles At Detroit Lions
For the second straight week, the Philadelphia Eagles will go up against the leaders of the NFC North.
When the Birds defeated the Green Bay Packers in an ugly 10-7 game Monday night, the Detroit Lions leapfrogged them and ascended to the top of their division. Now they'll come into Lincoln Financial Field and face the very team that handed them their crown. Now that's a storyline worthy of Sunday Night Football.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook (and most other sportsbooks), the Eagles are 2.5-point favorites to defeat the Lions. Here's how our staffers think this heavyweight matchup will go.
Tim Kelly (6-3)
Score: Lions 28 - Eagles 20
Game MVP: Jahmyr Gibbs
A.J. Brown would be best served to keep his discontent to himself (at least publicly), but he's not incorrect in being frustrated with his lack of touches and saying that the Eagles can't keep playing the way that they are and expect to repeat as Super Bowl Champions.
I'm not saying that the Eagles are about to have a 2023-esque collapse, but they aren't going to keep winning every week without being a little more aggressive in the passing game with Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert. It's not like this team doesn't have the star power offensively to be an explosive group.
Meanwhile, Dan Campbell took over play calling for the Lions last week, and they hung 44 on the Commanders. Granted, Vic Fangio's unit – even with some questions in terms of edge rusher depth and the second cornerback spot – are much better than Washington. But this might be a week where they slip up, making it clear that the offense needs to carry more of the load moving forward.
Anthony SanFilippo (3-6)
Score: Eagles 27 - Lions 24
Game MVP: Janky Rondo
You know what's going to happen, right? After all the turmoil. After all the consternation and chatter this week about what A.J. Brown said while playing Madden 26 with Janky Rondo, he's going to have a big game. Not only him, but the entirety of the passing offense – which will negate the Diana Russini report, and quell all the chatter about the Eagles dysfunction for another week.
This is just how the Eagles operate. They thrive off controversy. As long as they have at least one adult in the room – and they do in Vic Fangio – and the defense continues to improve – as it has, seemingly, each week – the Eagles will find a way.
Grace Del Pizzo (4-5)
Score: Eagles 30 - Lions 28
Game MVP: DeVonta Smith (again)
Honestly, this is a pretty difficult game to predict. I would love to say that this is the week Kevin Patullo actually correctly utilizes A.J. Brown, but it's Week 11 out of 18. When someone shows you who they are, believe them.
However... with the media firestorm this week, I wouldn't be shocked if the Eagles brass steps in and makes Patullo switch things up. They've done it before. I won't be surprised if Brown gets more involved, but I still think Smith will be WR1 this game.
The Eagles have just one questionable player for Sunday night's game, while the Lions have ruled out a whopping eight players, including starting cornerback Terrion Arnold and starting safety Kerby Joseph. Taking those injuries into consideration, I like the Birds' chances in a close game.
