Lions at Eagles Betting Odds
- Odds: Eagles -6
- Total: 45.5
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: FOX
Odds above as of Thursday evening and via PointsBet, where Action Network users can exclusively bet every NFL spread this season at reduced juice (-105).
The Eagles are 0-2 against the spread so far this season, failing to cover as massive (-10 vs. Redskins) and narrow (-1 at Falcons) favorites.
Can you trust them to cover as 6-point home favorites in Week 3 — especially without their two star wide receivers?
Our analysts break down the most important angles of this game, complete with Sean Koerner's projected odds and a pick.
Lions-Eagles Injury Report
Which team is healthier? Lions
The Lions should be at full strength for Week 3, but it's the complete opposite story for the Eagles.
The main injuries involve their offense as DeSean Jackson (abdomen) and Alshon Jeffery (calf) are considered longshots to suit up. I wouldn’t expect either to play. Corey Clement (shoulder) and Dallas Goedert (calf) have also missed practice this week and might not be ready for Sunday. — Justin Bailey
Note: Info as of Thursday. See our Injury Report for daily practice participation and game statuses up until kickoff.
Sean Koerner's Projected Odds
- Projected Spread: Eagles -6.5
- Projected Total: 47
Normally when two starting wide receivers are expected to miss a game, it can impact the line. But that's not the case with the Eagles, who design their roster to have depth at every position to avoid such drop-offs.
So while Jeffery and Jackson are expected to miss Sunday's game, Nelson Agholor, Mack Hollins and rookie JJ Arcega-Whiteside can step up. The Eagles can also just pepper their main target, tight end Zach Ertz, and even pass-catching back Darren Sproles.
The lines for this matchup are right in line with my projections, but I wanted to highlight how the Eagles are able to survive the poor injury report thanks to their roster construction. Of course, with Nick Foles no longer their backup, they're praying Carson Wentz can stay healthy all 16 games. — Sean Koerner
Biggest Mismatch
Lions WRs vs. Eagles Secondary
The Eagles' secondary looks like it'll be a weakness throughout the season. And it doesn't help that the defensive line hasn't generated as much pressure as expected. The Eagles rank 31st in adjusted sack rate through two weeks against subpar offensive lines (Washington and Atlanta). Injuries to Timmy Jernigan and Malik Jackson have also hurt the production, especially the defensive line depth — an overarching strength coming into the season.
The lack of pressure can be partially attributed to opponent scheme: The Falcons got rid of the ball very quickly and used misdirection to get guys open in short to intermediate routes. You can expect Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell to use similar concepts with his spread sets and through play-action.
And ultimately, if the Eagles aren't generating pressure, I don’t think their defensive backs can match up with the bevy of talent Matthew Stafford has at his disposal, especially on the outside if they decide to play more man to get Malcolm Jenkins on Detroit's talented rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Expect a big day from Kenny Golladay, who should join a long list of No. 1 receivers who have burned the Eagles' secondary over the past calendar year.
Detroit's defense will look a lot like New England's defense, which means you'll see a ton of man-to-man from the Lions' corners. They have three talented corners led by Darius Slay, one of the best cover corners in the NFL. Then there's Rashaan Melvin, who gives them size to match-up with physical receivers, and Justin Coleman, an above-average slot corner.
That trio would've been able to battle the Eagles' starting receivers, but their job will potentially be even easier now with injuries to Jackson and Jeffery.
The Lions' secondary should have the upper hand here. — Stuckey
Expert Pick
Stuckey: Lions +6
We already covered the Lions' secondary, but don’t sleep on their defensive line — it's one of the NFL's best with the additions of Mike Daniels and Tre Flowers to a deep group that features Snacks Harrison, Da'Shawn Hand (who might return this week) and A'Shawn Robinson.
They can match up in the run game with Philly’s excellent offensive line.
I don’t think Miles Sanders, who looks like he's still figuring things out as a rookie, will have a ton of success on the ground. And the Lions could get linebacker and captain Jarrad Davis back this week.
This is a good matchup for the Lions, especially with all of the Eagles' injuries. Stafford might make a boneheaded throw or two, and Ertz might have a huge game for Philly, but the Lions should keep this within a touchdown.
I played this at +7, but would take it at 6 or better.
