The Detroit Lions delivered an impressive performance on Sunday, dominating the Jacksonville Jaguars with a 46-point margin of victory. Quarterback Jared Goff had an outstanding game, averaging 14.2 yards per completion and finishing with a perfect passer rating. The Lions’ defense was equally dominant, allowing just 10 first downs and 170 total yards. While they were facing one of the weakest teams in the NFL, this resounding win further solidified their position as a force to be reckoned with.
Heading into Week 12 with a 9-1 record, the Lions are looking like one of the most formidable teams in the NFC. However, according to ESPN’s Mike Greenberg, there is only one team in the conference that poses a real challenge to Detroit’s playoff hopes: the Philadelphia Eagles. Greenberg shared his thoughts on Monday morning’s Get Up, stating that the Eagles are the only team in the NFC capable of beating the Lions in a playoff matchup.
Greenberg’s analysis was straightforward. He remarked that, after watching all the games on Sunday, he couldn’t find another team in the NFC that could match up with the Lions. He specifically pointed to the Eagles as the sole team with a chance to beat Detroit, given their balance and depth on both sides of the ball. “Man for man, pound for pound,” he said, the Eagles can match the Lions in every phase of the game.
This praise from Greenberg is likely a welcome surprise for Eagles fans, who feel their team hasn’t always gotten the national recognition it deserves, despite their strong performances. After a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback to beat the Washington Commanders on Thursday night, the Eagles extended their winning streak to six games, improving to 8-2 and securing the top spot in the NFC East. Despite their strong record, they’ve often flown under the radar compared to other NFC contenders.
The Eagles have been particularly impressive on defense, where players like defensive tackle Jalen Carter, linebackers Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean, and cornerbacks Darius Slay Jr. and Cooper DeJean have been stifling opposing offenses. Their ability to shut down top wide receivers and pressure quarterbacks makes them a serious threat in the NFC. This defensive prowess, combined with a dominant offensive line and a potent rushing attack, gives Philadelphia a balanced and versatile game plan that can overwhelm any team, including the Lions.
While the Lions have been enjoying their moment in the spotlight, it’s clear that the Eagles are just as formidable a contender in the NFC. Greenberg’s comments highlight that Philadelphia has quietly kept pace with Detroit, despite their lower profile in the media. With both teams looking strong, a potential playoff showdown between the Lions and Eagles could be one of the most exciting matchups in the NFC this
season.