Detroit Lions (2-0) at Philadelphia Eagles (0-2)
Line: Eagles by 6. Total: 44.
(Before Week 2): Eagles -7.
(After Week 2): Eagles -4.5.
Sunday, 1:00 ET -
The Game. Edge: Lions.
Injuries: LIONS: OUT: S Daniel Bullocks. EAGLES: QUESTIONABLE: CB Lito Sheppard, S Brian Dawkins.
Does anyone else feel like the Detroit Lions are the Texas Tech Red Raiders of the NFL? Texas Tech perennially builds a pristine record by beating up on the Alaska States and the Mid-Southwestern Eastern North Dakota of Mississippi Techs of the college football world with their gimmicky offensive system. But when they battle Texas and Oklahoma, they stand no chance. The Lions look like they're utilizing the same strategy, slaying the Raiders and Vikings by passing the ball on almost every single down.
Just look at the numbers: Mike Martz has called 107 pass plays, opposed to just 34 running plays. And of those 34, two were end-arounds! Yet, people refer to Martz as a genius. Why, because he puts up points despite forgetting half his playbook in his hotel room?
If the Lions are Texas Tech, the Eagles are clearly the Michigan Wolverines. Fans of both teams want to jettison the head coach. Chad Henne and Donovan McNabb are both injured and underachieving. The young quarterbacks of each squad are poised to become the full-time starters any week now. And, only the running backs are providing any sort of spark on either offense.
The Eagles look like they're playing dead. There's no emotion from McNabb or anyone else on the team. In fact, Suzy Kolber reported that Kevin Kolb was the only one showing any signs of life when the team was trailing by four at halftime on Monday night. McNabb, who obviously hasn't recovered from his knee injury, is overthrowing his receivers on nearly every down. When he's on target, he has to force throws into a group of wide outs who simply can't get open. Why is Kevin Curtis a No. 1? Where is Reggie Brown? Why is Jason Avant the most productive receiver on this team? What happened to Brent Celek, who looked like a great replacement for the unreliable L.J. Smith in the preseason? Brian Westbrook is the only playmaker on Philadelphia's offense.
After his 20-12 loss to Washington, Andy Reid said that his team is just "a hair away." A hair away from what, getting blown out? The Redskins dropped several passes on Monday night. Jason Campbell missed a wide-open Santana Moss for an easy touchdown in the fourth quarter. And the Eagles happened to be recipients of a fumble that was unjustly overturned by an official early in the second half. Washington could have easily won by 20 or more. If Philadelphia had problems stopping the Redskins' mediocre offense, how in the world are they going to contain Jon Kitna and his calvalry of wide receivers? If the Eagles can't get any pressure on Kitna - they registered no sacks on Campbell - Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson, Mike Furrey and Shaun McDonald will all have a field day against a sub-par linebacking corps, and a secondary featuring a corner who can't cover anyone (William James-Peterson), an aging free safety who was hurt on Monday night (Brian Dawkins) and a lackluster strong safety (Sean Considine).
I think the wrong team is favored. The Lions, who are playing with much more heart and passion than Philadelphia, are an upstart squad looking to make a statement against an opponent that was four points away from going to the NFC Championship last year. The Eagles, meanwhile, are regressing.
The Psychology. Edge: None.
I'd say the Eagles are desperate for a win, but they just look like a dead, disorganized team right now.
The Vegas. Edge: Eagles.
Though the line is high, I think bettors will lay the points with the Eagles in a must-win situation.
Percentage of money on Detroit: 92% (7,000 bets)
The Trends. Edge: Eagles.
Eagles are 41-25 ATS vs. NFC opponents since 2001.
Donovan McNabb is 14-9 ATS after a loss since 2001.
Opening Line: Eagles -7.
Opening Total: 44.5.
Weather: Sunny, 80 degrees. Light wind.
Fantasy Spin.
Start Em: Jon Kitna, Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson, Mike Furrey, Shaun McDonald, Brian Westbrook.
Sit Em: Eagles Receivers and Defense.
Prediction: Lions 41, Eagles 15
Lions +6 (2 Units - Money Pick)
Over 44 (.5 Units)
