Lions vs. Eagles: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Time and Predicitons
Nov 3, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) throws a pass against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
In an NFC battle of 7-5 teams, the Detroit Lions will take on the Philadelphia Eagles.
Can the Lions, leading the NFC North and coming off a huge Thanksgiving win, slow down Nick Foles, LeSean McCoy and the streaking Eagles?
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
When: December 8, 2013, 1:00 p.m. ET
Watch: FOX
Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket, Game Rewind
Lions Player to Watch: Joique Bell
Nov 17, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell (35) runs the ball past Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay (22) during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
With Reggie Bush questionable, Bell figures to get more work in this game. He’s been ultra-effective over his past five games, averaging over five YPC and scoring three touchdowns in that span. There’s not an exact formula for the Lions RB workload, other than Bell getting 10-plus touches and Bush usually getting 20-25. Look for Bell’s role to be expanded Sunday, as the Lions will feed him on first down runs.
Eagles Player to Watch: Riley Cooper
Nov 3, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper (14) catches a touchdown pass during the second quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
The Lions will be blanketing DeSean Jackson, so Cooper figures to have plenty of room to work. Foles always looks for Cooper, especially in the red zone. As we saw two weeks ago against Tampa, the Lions can be beaten deep by receivers. Look for the Eagles to take multiple shots down field to Cooper in this game.
Matchup to Watch: LeSean McCoy vs. Lions D-line
Nov 17, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy (25) carries the ball during the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
McCoy will be getting 20-plus carries Sunday, so there’s no doubt he’ll have one or two big runs, but the Lions front four have the potential to bottle up Shady for most of the game. With Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley plugging up the middle, the Lions only allow 83 rushing yards per game this season. This is a matchup of strength vs. strength, but for every one of McCoy’s elusive cuts, he’ll be met in the backfield by a Lions lineman.
Prediction
Oct 14, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) stiff arms Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (23) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Lions defeated the Eagles 26-23 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
While Calvin Johnson will have his moments, the Lions offense just isn’t the same team on the road, having struggled late at Pittsburgh and Arizona already this season. At home, the Eagles will be the tougher team Sunday, as they need this game a little more than the Lions. The scorching Foles will make a few big throws late, where Matthew Stafford, on the other hand, will come up short.
Eagles 31, Lions 27