The Philadelphia Eagles return home for an early afternoon contest against the Detroit Lions on Sunday and the Birds will be looking to stay healthy with a trip to Green Bay looming just four days later. With the Eagles expected to be without two of their starting wide receivers, here are three bold predictions for the Birds Week 3 contest versus the Lions.
1. Jordan Howard-Miles Sanders combine for 170 rushing yards
The Philadelphia Eagles upgraded their running back depth chart in hopes that it would lead to a better balance on offense. Through two games, Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders have left a ton to be desired statistically and Sunday could provide a breakout opportunity. Last Sunday, Philadelphia averaged 2.3 yards per carry against Atlanta a week after they surrendered 172 to the Vikings. Through two games the Lions have allowed 124.5 yards per game and 5.2 yards per carry. Detroit is also giving up 5.4 yards per carry on first down. It’ll be imperative for Kelce and the Eagles interior offensive line to control Damon ‘Snacks’ Harrison, who can take over a game.
2. Derek Barnett has a two-sack game.
Through two games, Derek Barnett doesn’t have a sack, but the pressure has been there and he’s due for a breakout performance stat-wise. Barnett ranks second in the NFL behind Myles Garrett in quarterback hits. And while Garrett is racking up the sacks in Cleveland, Barnett can start to have the same kind of effect for the Eagles if he can continue to be consistent.
3. Eagles will hold Matthew Stafford to under 200 yards passing
The prediction sounds absurd because Stafford has been slinging the pigskin early on this season. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Stafford is third in the NFL in average intended air yards at 10.9 and fourth in average completed air yards at 8. Three of his five touchdown passes this season have been 30 yards or more and he’ll test the Eagles early on. With Ronald Darby and the secondary facing immense scrutiny, look for Jim Schwartz to utilize his familiarity with Stafford to help slow down the big-armed veteran.
The Eagles are 31st in passing yards allowed (340 per game) and are tied for 31st in touchdown passes allowed (6), but look for them to corral the Lions wide receivers, as Detroit focuses on the run after having some early success.
