The Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions have both had disappointing starts to the season. However, neither start has been surprising.
Philadelphia sits at 2-4 following a loss to the Raiders last week. Along with the loss on the scoreboard, the Eagles lost running back Miles Sanders for at least this week as well, after he was carted off with an injury.
The story for this Eagles team continues to be their poor first-half showings. They dig themselves a hole too deep to get out from. Last week, they found themselves down 30-7 before fighting back to 33-22. Philadelphia has averaged 8.3 first-half points this season to 15.3 given up. This needs to change in order for them to find success.
As for Detroit, they pulled out every trick they had last weekend and nearly beat the Los Angeles Rams in their house. In fact, they should have won. However, this team, despite having the least amount of talent in the NFL, continues to be held back by Jared Goff.
A bad late-game interception in the red zone cost the Lions their first win of the season. While they pay Goff too much money to sit him, he presents many obstacles for the Lions staff to coach around. Still, this team will usually find a way to stay in games based on coaching and grit.
Without further ado, let’s dive into our Eagles vs Lions predictions and best bets. Please note that all odds are current as of 2:00 p.m. ET on Friday, October 29.
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Eagles vs Lions Prediction
We have two bad teams facing off in this game. Typically, anything can happen when two bad teams with nothing to lose face each other. Neither team has been especially good at generating first-half points, with the Eagles and Lions averaging 8.3 and 7.0, respectively.
However, Detroit has moved the ball well in the first half of games this season, controlling the ball 52.31% of the time compared to 42.1% for the Eagles, which is the second-worst mark in the NFL.
So, if you’re betting on the first half of this game, Detroit may be the better bet. Of course, the Under seems to be in play whenever either of these offenses is involved. We know there will be mistakes made by both quarterbacks, but neither offense seems to be capable of capitalizing on opposing teams’ mistakes.
Defensively, the Eagles have the clear edge in this game. Philadelphia does allow the highest completion rate in the NFL (74.36%). However, this is because their secondary sits and forces completions underneath.
The Eagles bank on opposing teams getting bored and making stupid mistakes. This screams Goff and the Lions. While they could be leading and moving the ball with ease, they’ll make a poor decision to take a shot, which the Eagles will pick off to change the momentum of the game.
Prediction: Eagles 24, Lions 21
Eagles vs Lions Best Bets
Best Bet: Under 48.5 (-110) at Betway
Wager: 1 Units
The Under is 5-2 for the Lions this season and 4-3 for the Eagles. We discussed above how there will be mistakes made by both teams, but both teams also fail to capitalize on them. This could lead to many punts and turnovers, but few points.
We also have both teams sitting back and forcing short throws, which leads to the clock continuing to tick, limiting the number of drives in the game. Obviously, this also leads to fewer points scored.
Best Bet: Lions +3.5 (-115) at Betway
Wager: 1 Units
While the prediction above says the Eagles win, I have the final score being a field goal. So, I love getting the Lions by more than a field goal at home. This protects us from a last-second field goal, whether it’s made or missed. The Lions also should control the ball in the first half and very well could have the lead going into the break.
Much like last week, I believe Goff will make one too many mistakes for the Lions to win outright. However, the Eagles will likely get out-coached, as they typically have, making this game a close one throughout.
Detroit is also 4-3 against the spread this season, showing how competitive this team has been. They simply do not make the crucial plays at the end of the game.
