Philadelphia Eagles (0-0) at Detroit Lions (0-0)

The Lions have a good chance to take a big step forward on offense this season, but the biggest reason for that is that their offensive line should be healthier than a year ago, when their top two offensive linemen Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow both missed most of the season, and, unfortunately offensive line injuries remain a concern for the Lions in week 1, with right guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai and his backup Tommy Kraemer both out and center Frank Ragnow considered a gametime decision and unlikely to be 100% even if he plays, after barely practicing all week. 

The Lions are likely to be one of the worst defenses in the league again this season, so if their offense can’t be effective, it will be hard for them to be competitive and, particularly if Ragnow can’t play, the Lions’ chances of being effective on offense take a big hit with their offensive line at less than full strength. Making matters worse, they’re facing an Eagles team that could be one of the better teams in the league this season, getting better on both sides of the ball this off-season, after finishing 9th in overall efficiency and making the post-season in 2021. 

The 2021 Eagles particularly played well against below average teams like the Lions, going 9-2 against non playoff qualifiers, with their wins coming by an average of 16.4 points per game, including a 44-6 victory in Detroit. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll blow the Lions out again, but my calculated line has the Eagles favored by seven and if Ragnow is ruled out, that would shoot even higher. This line is currently at -4.5 and I’m not sure if there’s enough line value for the Eagles to be bettable if Ragnow plays, but, depending on his status and where this line ends up, this could easily end up being a bet and the Eagles are the pick for pick ‘em purposes regardless.

Philadelphia Eagles 27 Detroit Lions 20

Pick against the spread: Philadelphia -4.5

Confidence: Low