Philadelphia Eagles vs. Detroit Lions Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Jalen Hurts Lead Eagles to Win?
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Detroit Lions Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Jalen Hurts Lead Eagles to Win?
The Philadelphia Eagles dominated Detroit in 2021, earning an NFC playoff seed that ultimately resulted in a loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round. Meanwhile, the Lions crawled to the finish line with a 3-13-1 record, earning their first win against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13. Detroit brought in an influx of talent to improve their roster this offseason, but Philadelphia matched them, trading for star wide receiver A.J. Brown on draft night. Which team will wind up as the winner during this rematch? Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Sunday's game between the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Detroit Lions.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Detroit Lions Start Time, Where to Watch and Odds
- Date: September 11, 2022
- Game time: 1:00 pm ET
- Where to watch: FOX
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Detroit Lions Injury Report
Eagles
T Andre Dillard (Out Indefinitely - Arm), RB Miles Sanders (P - Hamstring), WR Greg Ward (IR - Toe), TE Tyree Jackson (Out Indefinitely - Knee), T Brett Toth (Out Indefinitely - Knee), RB Boston Scott (P - Concussion), TE Jaeden Graham (IR - Undisclosed), C Jason Kelce (P - Elbow), and LB Shaun Bradley (Q - Neck).
Lions
CB Jerry Jacobs (Out Indefinitely - Knee), DE Levi Onwuzurike (Q - Back), LB Julian Okwara (Q - Leg), DE Josh Paschal (Out Indefinitely - Hernia), LB Romeo Okwara (Out Indefinitely - Achilles), FB Jason Cabinda (Out Indefinitely - Ankle), WR Jameson Williams (Out Indefinitely - Knee), and WR Quintez Cephus (Q - Leg).
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Detroit Lions Line Movement
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Detroit Lions Prediction
Jalen Hurts was the Eagles' RB1 in 2021, rushing 139 times for 784 yards and ten touchdowns. For comparison, Miles Sanders carried 137 times for 754 yards and zero touchdowns. Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott also managed to collect 12 rushing touchdowns to diversify the backfield in head coach Nick Sirriani's run-centric offensive scheme.
The Eagles added explosive wideout A.J. Brown into the fold this offseason and drafted a pair of Georgia Bulldogs in the first three rounds to bolster their run defense. Their secondary also saw significant additions with James Bradberry and C.J. Gardner-Johnson to be more consistent on the back end in 2022. Philadelphia's defense allowed 377 points last season, ranking 19th in the league.
Jared Goff was terrorized in the pocket during this matchup last season, getting sacked six times. The Eagles' defense also forced a turnover that resulted in a scoop-six by Darius Slay late in the third quarter to balloon the lead to 38-0. The Lions scored late in garbage time to force a final score of 44-6.
Expect Lions head coach Dan Campbell to use last year's embarrassing blowout at home as bulletin board material to get the Lions personnel motivated to defend their home turf. Detroit has one of the most underrated offensive lines in the league led by former first-round pick Penei Sewell and a healthy, beefier D'Andre Swift is a true dual-threat out of the backfield.
Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown broke out and won fantasy leagues in the latter half of 2021 due to a growing connection with Goff. DJ Chark was signed to a one-year contract and will be a nice weapon to target while rookie wideout Jameson Williams heals up from a torn ACL he suffered in January.
As far as the Lions' defense is concerned, second overall pick Aidan Hutchinson should be a force off the edge right away. Michael Brockers also joins him on the opposite edge to form a dynamic edge rushing duo that Detroit desperately missed in 2021. The Lions' front seven will need to be much more disruptive early to prevent falling behind by three scores at halftime.
Both offenses added pieces but Detroit's edge rushers should make themselves felt early and often against a run-heavy opponent like Philadelphia. A.J. Brown is explosive but Hurts has proven to be inconsistent and inaccurate when throwing under pressure. The Lions will be able to contain Hurts, capping his ability to improvise with his legs in open space, forcing the Eagles to abandon their identity.
Detroit's ability to limit Philadelphia's ballcarriers will create more opportunities for Goff and Swift to be used interchangeably throughout all four quarters. This will result in the Lions losing by a field goal, but covering the four-point spread.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Detroit Lions Pick
- Detroit +4 (-110) (Bet $110 to win $100)
Looking for the best sportsbook offers? Check out the free bets page
Article Author
Matt is an avid writer, editor, and researcher. He enjoys analyzing the game within the game which is fantasy sports and sports betting. Music is another constant in his daily life. Matt loves spending time with his wife and three pets. He likes to read, listen to podcasts, and is constantly motivated to create the most accurate and engaging content in the sports betting industry.