The Philadelphia Eagles will face the Detroit Lions in NFL Week 5 action.
Arguably the biggest story in the NFL this season, Carson Wentz and the 3-0 Philadelphia Eagles will travel to take on the 1-3 Detroit Lions this week. The 2016 second overall pick, Wentz, has been better than anyone expected this season, showing incredible poise and ability for a rookie.
He is far from completely proven, but Wentz certainly appears to have a bright future at the NFL level. Can he keep it up this week? Honestly, I see no reason for that not to happen.
The Eagles have protected Wentz with short and simple passes, but he has passed each and every test. Wentz now has three games of experience under his belt and is coming off of a bye. He should be fully rested and ready to play at a high level this week.
On top of that, the Lions’ defense should not represent much of a challenge for Wentz. Their defense as a whole has struggled this season. Allowing 386.3 yards per game through the air (eighth worst in the NFL), Wentz should be able to have success with the passing attack.
The Lions have been without linebacker DeAndre Levy and defensive end Ezekiel Ansah in recent weeks, and they could both miss this game with injuries. Levy and Ansah are the best players on Detroit’s defense. Losing them has been devastating for an already shaky unit.
While they are far from perfect, the Lions’ offense has been much better than their defensive counterparts this season. Matthew Stafford started the season strong, but he really laid an egg against the Chicago Bears last week.
Their 23.8 points scored per game is the 13th highest total in the league, but they struggled to get anything going against the Bears last week. Chicago’s defense played well, but their talent level leaves plenty to be desired.
More on FanSided:
- NFL: 15 Biggest Draft Busts Of All-Time
- NFL Power Rankings: 30 Best Head Coaches Of All-Time
- Top 30 Teams Of The Modern Era
The Lions not being able to move the ball against a depleted Bears’ defense is certainly concerning. Now, they face off against an Eagles’ defense that has allowed a league-best nine points per game this season.
Led by a dynamic defensive line, the Eagles’ defense has been incredible this season. While it is unreal to expect them to continue to play as well as they have, this is undoubtedly an elite defensive unit.
With the Lions not having any semblance of a rushing attack, the Eagles should be able to create pressure on Stafford all game long. The Lions will likely struggle to score points on Sunday. They are going to need big plays out of wide receiver Marvin Jones, who has become a big-time target for the team.
Odds
Line: PHI -1
Over/Under: 46
The Eagles being favorites here should not come as a surprise. That being said, I am surprised that it is only one point. They could easily be playing over their heads. However, based on their performance this season, they should win this game relatively easy; even on the road.
Prediction
The Lions are an extremely inconsistent team. They have a ton of offensive upside that gives them a chance each week. That being said, their offensive inconsistency is real and their defense is bad.
Next: Top 30 NFL Games Of All Time
This could be a week where they are firing on all cylinders, but I can’t imagine betting on it. The Eagles have been great this season and have not shown any signs of slowing down. Give me the squad led by the rookie in this one.
Pick: Philadelphia Eagles 31, Detroit Lions 17