Eagles-Lions Game Preview: Who Will Win in Week 11?

The Philadelphia Eagles are currently 7-2 and sitting atop the NFC, despite their offensive struggles to start the regular season. Following a hard-fought victory over the Green Bay Packers last week, the road won’t get any easier for the Eagles moving forward.

Philadelphia will host the Detroit Lions on Sunday night, as both teams will battle it out for positioning in the NFC playoff race. While the Eagles are fully healthy, the Lions will be without several key starters in Philadelphia.

Here’s my full game preview for a crucial NFC matchup in Week 11.

Three Storylines To Follow

The Table Is Set for an A.J. Brown Breakout Game

It’s no secret that the Eagles have struggled to get superstar wide receiver A.J. Brown going this season. Brown has just 31 receptions for 408 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns this season. Brown has voiced his displeasure with his role but things could change in Week 11.

Brown has always seen his role increased against defenses that play a lot of man coverage. Guess which team plays man coverage at the highest rate in the NFL this season? That’s right! The Lions are tied for first with the Denver Broncos, according to Sumer Sports.

While Brown is coming off a disappointing performance against the Packers, it feels like the table is set for a huge breakout game. We could see Brown return to his All-Pro form against the Lions on Sunday Night Football.

Can Adoree’ Jackson Stay Afloat at Outside CB?

Prior to the start of the regular season, many were worried about the second outside CB spot in Philadelphia opposite of Quinyon Mitchell. Steady veteran CB Adoree’ Jackson has played well since he struggled in Week 1, yet he’ll be put to the test against the Lions.

Detroit’s offense is loaded with firepower, including one of the NFL’s best WR duos in Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. While St. Brown spends over 50% of his snaps in the slot, Williams spends roughly 75% of his snaps on the outside.

Jackson will be out to the test by Williams’ game-breaking speed on the outside. It’ll be interesting to see how the Eagles handle this matchup and if they’ll shade extra help to Jackson’s side against an explosive offense.

Which Offense Can Convert on Third Down?

One of the hottest topics in Philadelphia is the lack of third-down conversions for the Eagles this season. Despite all of their offensive firepower, Philadelphia has converted just 34.86% of their third down attempts, which ranks 28th in the NFL this season.

Yet Detroit’s high-powered offense is also struggling on third down. The Lions have converted just 37.50% of their third down attempts, which ranks 21st in the NFL this season.

Sunday night’s matchup could come down to which offense can actually figure out how to finally be efficient on third down this season. If there’s a massive disparity on third down in Week 11, that will likely decide the winner.

Two Underrated Players To Watch For

Jordan Davis

Following a hot start to the regular season, Jordan Davis had a rather quiet performance against the Packers last week. Yet Davis will play a huge role on Sunday night, as the Eagles will attempt to slow down Detroit’s dominant running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.

If Davis can remain stout in the middle of Philadelphia’s defensive line, it should help the Eagles slow down Detroit’s rushing attack. It’s also worth mentioning Davis’ ability on special teams this week. He has blocked kicks earlier this season and Lions kicker Jake Bates has had kicks blocked in back-to-back games.

Al-Quadin Muhammad

While Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson deservingly gets all of the attention, Al-Quadin Muhammad deserves respect as well. Despite playing just 193 snaps as a pass rusher, Muhammad has recorded 32 total pressures and six sacks for the Lions this season.

Philadelphia’s offensive line has struggled at times this season but is finally healthy ahead of this matchup. Yet if the Eagles give a bit too much attention to Hutchinson, Muhammad could wreak havoc on the opposite side.

One Key Matchup To Monitor

Philadelphia’s OL vs. Aidan Hutchinson

The Eagles could have their entire starting offensive line play every snap together on Sunday night for the first time since Week 11. Yet Philadelphia’s offensive line will be put to the test by Hutchinson, arguably the best pass rusher in the NFL.

According to Pro Football Focus, Hutchinson leads the entire league with 57 total pressures this season. The 25-year-old edge rusher also rarely leaves the field and lines up all over Detroit’s defensive front. It could be a long game for both Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson on Sunday night.

Underdog Pick’em Plays for Eagles-Lions

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Final Score Predictions

Josh’s Pick: Eagles 28, Lions 20

This is a game with massive implications. The Eagles and Lions on Sunday Night Football with the rest of the world watching. And for all their shortcomings on offense, Vic Fangio’s defense is quickly regaining that nastiness they had last season.

Detroit also plays a ton of man coverage and has several guys banged up, so I’m buying a turnaround game for AJ Brown and the Birds. Also, Fangio has Jared Goff’s number…and I don’t expect that to change in Philly.

Anthony’s Pick: Eagles 28, Lions 13

The Eagles are arguably the healthiest that they have been all season long. Meanwhile, the Lions are dealing with a plethora of injuries and will be without several starters in Philadelphia.

Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has dominated Lions quarterback Jared Goff in the past and I believe that trend will continue in the City of Brotherly Love on Sunday night. I also expect Philadelphia’s passing offense to get back on track against a man coverage heavy defense.