This Sunday night, NFL fans will finally get to see the Detroit Lions face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in South Philly, a matchup that felt overdue after years of buildup. The Eagles (7-2) are currently ranked atop the conference but have a number of teams on their heels, including the 6-3 Lions, both chasing that elusive conference supremacy. With the Eagles holding a slight edge on paper and the Lions hot on their heels, this game feels like a clash that could shake up the playoff race.
The 2024 season had the Lions and Eagles as the top two seeds in the NFC, signaling a showdown that could decide who reigns supreme. Injuries cut Detroit’s previous playoff run short last year, denying fans a satisfying playoff battle these teams seemed destined for. Now, with Philadelphia at 7-2 and Detroit close behind at 6-3, the stakes are high, not just for the win but for momentum heading deeper into the season.
The Eagles are still the favorites, with about a 40.7% chance of winning the conference. But the Lions’ 23.9% chance isn’t far behind. A Detroit victory this Sunday could tip the balance in their favor.
Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson isn’t shy about the importance of this game. He calls it a “must-win.” Detroit hasn’t beaten the Eagles under coach Dan Campbell since 2021, and Hutchinson knows the challenge ahead. Playing in Philadelphia, where Eagles fans are famously loud and passionate, won’t be easy. Hutchinson says the team has been preparing mentally and physically for weeks, readying themselves for what could be a defining moment this season.
Looking back, the Eagles have dominated the last two meetings, beating the Lions 38-35 in 2022 and 44-6 in 2021. Detroit wants to change that narrative and prove they belong at the top.
The Eagles’ offense is led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, who’s been precise with his throws this season, sporting a career-best completion rate close to 69%. The Eagles like to mix it up but lean heavily on their running game, where Saquon Barkley carries most of the weight. Barkley had a slow start but showed signs of bursting back into form recently. He is tied for 20th in the NFL with 237 yards rushing through four games.
The Lions’ defense will have their hands full trying to slow Barkley down. They’ll also have to beware of Eagles receivers like DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, who can turn a game with big catches. Brown in particular has been surprisingly quiet this year but could be eager to make a statement.
Detroit’s defense is solid overall. They rank in the top 10 for limiting yards per carry and completion percentage allowed. Hutchinson, along with linebacker Jack Campbell and safety Brian Branch, forms a fierce core that aims to test Hurts and the Eagles’ offensive rhythm.
Detroit’s offense is no less impressive. Jared Goff is having an efficient season with a 74% completion rate, throwing 20 touchdowns against just three interceptions. He also has a talented supporting cast in wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, and tight end Sam LaPorta, who all create difficult matchups for defensive backs.
The Lions aren’t just about passing; their running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery give them a big-play threat on the ground, which could really give Philadelphia’s defense trouble. Gibbs is even chasing a record that would tie him with the legendary Jim Brown, adding extra motivation.
Philadelphia’s defensive line has struggled with pressure in some games but recently got a boost from new edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. Alongside Nolan Smith and Jalen Carter, the Eagles have the raw talent to disrupt Goff’s game.
In the linebacker and secondary units, the Eagles also bring elite talent with players like Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean ready to make big stops. They’ll need to contain Detroit’s wide receivers and tight end if they want to keep the Lions offense in check.
I’m taking the Under 46.5 on Sunday night. Philadelphia’s pass rush has finally woken up, piling up 10 sacks during its current three-game surge. That’s a major problem for Jared Goff, who’s already dealing with one of the highest pressure rates in the league. His quick-hitting style shortens plays by design, and with Dan Campbell taking over play-calling duties, Detroit is running the ball even more, nearly 49% of snaps last week. That ground-and-pound style bleeds clock, shortens the game, and keeps explosive plays limited.
With a total set just under the key number of 47, the books are daring people to take the Over. I’m not biting. The matchup, the pace, and the defensive trends all point to a lower-scoring game, so I’m siding with the Under. For the best odds on this key number, make sure you lock in the Under 46.5 at Bankroll U before the line moves!
Battles for conference supremacy demand more than bold takes, they require a playmaker’s eye for timing, matchups, and momentum. At Bankroll U, we break down those edges to turn marquee showdowns like Lions–Eagles into sharp, confident picks.