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Eagles at Lions: Preview, Predictions, and More

By Jeremy Klump

Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) and running back Kenjon Barner (34) celebrate a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) and running back Kenjon Barner (34) celebrate a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia Eagles vs Detroit Lions

The undefeated (3-0) Philadelphia Eagles head into Detroit to play the 1-3 Detroit Lions at Ford Field in NFL Week 5. Despite vastly different records coming into this one, high drama out of the NFC seems in store for fans.

Related Story: Week 4 QB Power Rankings: Is Wentz higher than Stafford?

Philadelphia had an extra week to prepare for the Lions because they were on their bye week. Oddly enough, the Eagles may not have wanted their bye because they have been so hot. Their rookie quarterback and second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Carson Wentz, has been nothing short of spectacular in his first three starts. Their elite quarterback play, matched by their elite defense, has been the perfect combination for an undefeated season.

The Lions defense will have a tough time stopping Wentz, but quarterback Matthew Stafford is always a player to watch out for. He comes into Week 5 with solid weapons in the passing game that will most definitely test the Philadelphia secondary. Starting 1-4 could be the beginning of the end for the Lions season so this is already a must-win game for them in Week 5.

Eagles Keys To Victory

Get after Matthew Stafford: The Lions are a pass-heavy offense and the best way to disrupt that is to get after the quarterback. Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, and the rest of the Eagles pass rushers need to have a good day in the office.

Contain the air attack: Detroit has some solid pass-catching weapons (Marvin Jones, Golden Tate, Anquan Boldin, Theo Riddick, and Eric Ebron). Philly needs to make sure they do not let them go wild on Sunday.

Keep the ‘Wentz Train’ going: Wentz has played lights out and the hype continues to grow. Philly needs to let him be the field general again and air it out. Look for him to target his tight end Zach Ertz (who is back from an injury) and his No. 1 wide receiver Jordan Matthews early and ofter.

Lions Keys To Victory

Attack the Eagles’ corners: Leodis McKelvin will be back in Week 5, but does that help or hurt? Stafford and the Lions need to attack the weakest part of that dominant Eagles defense, their cornerbacks.

Protect Stafford: It is up for debate who has the best defensive line in the game, but the Eagles are part of that debate. Detroit needs to make sure they do not give the Eagles another reason to show they are the best.

Theo Riddick: Last time he payed the Eagles, he lit them up for two touchdowns. It will be hard for him to run the ball, but Riddick needs to be a focal point of the passing offense on Sunday.

Odds

Point Spread: Philadephia -3
Moneyline: Philadelphia -160, Detroit +140
Over/Under: 46

Must Read: Which Eagles impressed or disappointed in Week 3?

Prediction

Some feel this game could be a blowout by the Birds, but I think the Lions offense has too many weapons for it to get out of hand. However, the ‘Wentz Train’ will gain more steam after the Eagles stay undefeated and move to 4-0 on Sunday.

Pick: Philadelphia Eagles: 27, Detroit Lions: 24

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