Last Updated on September 19, 2010 3:46 pm by Anthony Rome
Eagles vs. Lions Prediction
Which team will come out on top this Sunday when the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions clash in a battle of backup quarterbacks?
Oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL.com have made the Eagles 6.5-point road favorites over the Lions in Week 2, while also installing the over/under total at 41.5 points.
The Eagles Win If:
Michael Vick doesn’t get careless with the football. Vick played extremely well in relief of Kevin Kolb (concussion) in last week’s loss to the Packers, throwing for 175 yards and one touchdown, as well as rushing for 103 yards on 11 carries. But he’s been known to be careless with the ball dating back to his days with the Falcons. Sometimes he tries to do too much and winds up taking a big hit or a sack and he’ll put it on the carpet. If he doesn’t turn the ball over though, he may have a field day against a Lions’ defense that has one of the worst defensive backfields (save for safety Louis Delmas) in the league. The Lions are probably going to have a hard time moving the ball offensively against the Eagles’ defense, so turnovers are going to play a huge factor in whether or not Philly can earn its first victory of the year.
The Lions Win If:
Jahvid Best and the rest of the running game can take over. Best rushed for two touchdowns last weekend, but only 20 yards on 14 carries. That’s not going to get the job done against a Philadelphia defense that will probably stack the box and force quarterback Shaun Hill to throw. Hill has always been severely limited in the vertical game, so unless Best can create some opportunities for the backup QB, then it could be a long day in Detroit. Defensively, the Lions need to force a couple of turnovers in order to set their offense up with good field position. Not letting Vick run around Ford Field at will is another key.
Prediction:
I just don’t trust Shaun Hill. I know he almost led the Lions to a come-from-behind victory last Sunday, but as previously mentioned, he’s limited in the vertical game. Six points is a lot to give a home team, but the difference here is that the home team is starting a backup quarterback that doesn’t have many wins under his belt. I see the Eagles’ defense dominating this one and Philly earning its first cover and victory of the year.
2010 NFL Week 2 Free Pick: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES –6.5
BONUS PICK: OVER 41.5