Nolan Bianchi, Richard Silva, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News offer predictions for Sunday’s game between the Lions and Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia (8:20 p.m., Fox/97.1).

▶ Nolan Bianchi: If I were to make this prediction earlier in the week, I probably would have leaned toward Detroit. However, this week’s injury updates — particularly at starting tackle and in the secondary — have been troubling, and only amplify a few of the mismatches that already existed. I do think the Lions‘ offense has turned a corner, but I’m not sure it’ll be able to find the same consistency against a defense this talented. And although the Eagles have experienced some dysfunction in the passing game, asking this patchwork secondary — it’s possible that Brian Branch is the only starter on the field Sunday — to repeat the performance from the Tampa Bay game is a tall task. I do think it’ll be close, though. Pick: Eagles, 24-23

▶ Richard Silva: Going down Philadelphia’s roster, the talent is staggering. Nearly every level on both sides of the ball has difference-makers, with the lack of a dominant pass rusher being the only, though admittedly large, exception. But, as has been well documented, the coaching staff (on offense, specifically) hasn’t been able to pull the best out of this personnel. Running back Saquon Barkley hasn’t been as explosive as he was in 2024, and the passing attack, albeit efficient, isn’t exactly prolific. I’m most interested in whether the Lions can continue to run the ball effectively, which they did against the Washington Commanders, opening up opportunities for Jared Goff to use play action on 18 of his 35 dropbacks. The Eagles have held opposing running backs to 3.3 yards per carry over their last three games. Whoever wins that battle will win the game. Pick: Eagles, 28-24

▶ John Niyo: The Commanders are nothing if not a confidence booster lately. So I’m not sure how much stock we should put in that near-flawless offensive display from the Lions a week ago. The Eagles are a different animal entirely, especially as they seem to be shoring up their run defense in recent weeks. That talented front has produced 10 sacks over the last three games and the Eagles nearly pitched a shutout Monday night at Green Bay. Philadelphia’s feast-or-famine offense is a bit puzzling, but this might be the week Jalen Hurts and the Eagles decide to make A.J. Brown happy, especially if the Lions’ battered secondary is down multiple starters. For as much as we’ll focus on the trenches with these two teams, this just feels like a game that’s going to be decided by explosive plays. Pick: Eagles, 31-24

▶ Bob Wojnowski: If the Lions (6-3) hope to land the No. 1 seed in the NFC again, they need this one. And under Dan Campbell, they’re usually pretty strong when challenged. By record (7-2) and by rank (Super Bowl champs), the Eagles look formidable but actually may be vulnerable, with six of their seven victories by a touchdown or less. Saquon Barkley is still dangerous but averages only 3.9 yards per carry. A.J. Brown is still a big-play receiver but has only three touchdowns, and complained after catching two passes in a 10-7 victory over Green Bay. Jalen Hurts takes a lot of punishment but can beat a team by running, throwing, and if necessary, tush-pushing. But the Eagles’ strength is their defense, which puts pressure on the new play-caller – guy by the name of Campbell – and Jared Goff, who’s playing the best football of his career. They’ll handle the noise and the nerves, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams will break long touchdowns, and the Lions will deliver a statement. Pick: Lions, 33-27

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