The Philadelphia Eagles are riding high at 3-0 and well-rested after a bye week. They travel to Ford Field to take on the Detroit Lions, who are trying to snap a three-game losing streak.
The Eagles' gamble to start FCS rookie Carson Wentz has paid off handsomely so far. The No. 2 overall pick looks like the real deal, completing 64.7 percent of his passes for 769 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions in three games. He should get a boost in the running game with the expected return of Ryan Mathews, who was limited in Week 3 with an ankle injury.
Philly's defense has also been a top-shelf unit under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, ranking third in the league in yards allowed per game and giving up only 27 points in three games. If Wentz keeps playing well, the Eagles should be well-positioned to make a playoff run this season.
It's been a different story for the Lions, who are struggling at 1-3. They had an utterly limp performance last week, scoring just 14 points against a Chicago Bears defense ravaged by injuries. Matthew Stafford had a clunker of a game, throwing two interceptions, and the offense failed to find the end zone -- their only touchdown came on an Andre Roberts punt return. It's the kind of loss that puts head coach Jim Caldwell firmly on the hot seat, and the pressure will only grow on him if Detroit drops a fourth straight game.
Not surprisingly, the Eagles are strong favorites among NFL experts this week, with ESPN and CBS Sports writers picking them to win by heavy margins. Here at SB Nation, seven writers and the OddsShark computer pick Philadelphia, while Thomas George and Joel Thorman are the only people going with Detroit.
| Game | RVB | Stephen White | Thomas George | Jeanna Thomas | Adam Stites | Tyler Tynes | Louis Bien | Joel Thorman | Fooch | OddsShark computer |
| PHI vs DET | PHI | PHI | DET | PHI | PHI | PHI | PHI | DET | PHI | PHI |