Detroit Lions Week One Stats And Score Predictions
The Lions are set to kick off their first regular season game of the 2022 season at home versus the Philadelphia Eagles. There are some interesting factors that have come up that could change the outcome of this game. So here are my predictions on how the game will go, and what some Lions players will do.
Passing Leader- Jared Goff, Lions Quarterback
24/36 296 yards 2 touchdowns 1 interception
The Lions have put Goff in a situation to succeed, surrounding him with nothing but weapons and a great offensive line. This match doesn’t favor him very well though. The Eagles have a top-tier secondary with Darius Slay and James Bradberry as the cornerback duo, and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson as the star safety. His top receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown will be covered by one of those top corners who have both proven to be some of the most disruptive corners in the entire league. Along with that, Goff loves to throw the deep ball and with DJ Chark being his only deep threat target, the Eagles will likely put their other top corner on him with help from Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.
Another reason this game isn’t favorable for Goff is that the Eagles gave a very dominant defensive line, Halapoulivaati Vaiti is out, and Frank Ragnow is questionable. Goff isn’t a great quarterback under pressure, this is when he tends to panic and throw interceptions. The fact of it though is that this is a pass-first league, so no matter how good your defense is if you have enough weapons, you’re favored to put up at least decent stats.
Rushing Leaders- D’andre Swift And Jamaal Williams, Lions Running backs
Swift-13 rushes, 62 yards
Williams- 7 rushes, 34 yards 1 touchdown
Swift is in a tough situation this game for running the ball with his interior offensive line a little banged up. Also, the eagles have some great run defenders with Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, and recently drafted rookie Jordan Davis. With this though I still think he will get a good number of opportunities, with Jamaal Williams getting some carries too. A goal line touchdown to either Swift or Williams is also very likely. These stats may seem a little off for swift, but he will likely make up for it in the receiving game.
Receiving Leaders- Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions Wide Receiver
TJ Hockeson, Lions Tight End
St. Brown- 8 receptions, 91 yards
Hockenson- 7 receptions, 67 yards 1 touchdown
St. Brown is Goff’s favorite and best target in the receiving group. No matter who is covering him he is almost guaranteed to get a lot of targets which leads to him usually leading the team in receiving yards. As for hock, for the same reason he’s a start for fantasy football, the Eagles do not have a strong linebacking core. With that and the rest of the Eagles’ secondary being distracted, Hockenson will get a lot of opportunities in the Lions’ offense this week.
Sack Leader- Aidan Hutchinson, Lions Edge Rusher
6 tackles, 2 sacks
Hutchinson is primed to start the season off where he finished in college, showing that he can get past Pro Bowl level tackles fairly easily. Whether he’s lined up against Lane Johnson or Jordan Mailata, it will be no easy task, but Hutchinson can get it done. The Eagles will have to pass the ball a lot due to Detroit’s run defense, so that will create more opportunities for Hutchinson to get after Hurts.
Score Prediction- Eagles 30 – Lions 26
The Lions have the players and staff to make this a close game, but the Eagles at the moment are the better team. The Eagles’ defense is what will probably win them this game. With the right circumstances, the Lions could win this game, but it is not likely.