The Eagles are in Detroit for their season opener at the Lions, and the league’s most improved roster will get their first test since the first quarter of preseason Week 1.
Philadelphia isn’t an overwhelming favorite, but on paper, they clearly have the more talented roster on both sides of the football.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts will look to start the season off on an efficient note, and wide receiver A.J. Brown will look to cement himself as one of the top physical pass catchers in the NFL.
For Detroit, Jarod Goff gets one last shot to prove he’s a franchise quarterback, and he’ll have one of the NFL’s top slot targets at his convenience.
With so many intriguing matchups, we’re looking at who has the edge at each team’s position.
QB -- Eagles
Jared Goff is an accurate quarterback, and he’s played in a Super Bowl, but he’s not a better player than Jalen Hurts at this point in their respective careers.
Gardner Minshew is the backup quarterback in Philadelphia, while former Eagle Nate Sudfeld is the 2nd guy in Detroit, ironically.
RB -- Eagles
Philadelphia led the NFL in rushing in 2021, and they return all three feature backs in Miles Sanders, Kenneth Gainwell, and Boston Scott.
The Eagles also added former Ohio State star Trey Sermon to the roster.
In Detroit, Philadelphia native D’Andre Swift is the guy at running back for Detroit, and he offers star potential, but the results have been decent at best.
Jamaal Williams and Craig Reynolds offer a change of pace.
WR -- Eagles
The additions of A.J. Brown and Zach Pascal give Philadelphia the overall edge, with DeVonta Smith and Quez Watkins rounding out the quartet.
For Detroit, D.J. Chark offers big-play potential and physicality.
Amon-Ra St. Brown is a target monster, and his matchup in the slot against Avonte Maddox, Josiah Scott, if available, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson will be something to watch.
St. Brown caught 90 passes on 119 targets in 2021, and Detroit’s best option will be to target the wide receiver from the slot.
TE -- Eagles
T.J. Hockenson is a talented tight end who logged 61-catches for 583-yards and four touchdowns.
Hockenson is highly talented, but he’s no Dallas Goedert.
The Eagles’ star tight end is looking to break out and make his first Pro Bowl with Zach Ertz now in Arizona.
OL -- Eagles
Philadelphia had the edge on the offensive line before the Lions suffered injuries to Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Tommy Kraemer, who are both unavailable.
Star center Frank Ragnow could also miss Sunday with a groin injury.
DL -- Eagles
Philadelphia is stacked at the defensive line with Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Jordan Davis, Josh Sweat, Derek Barnett, Milton Williams, and Tarron Jackson for starters.
Detroit is vastly improved with Aidan Hutchinson as the No. 2 overall pick.
LB -- Eagles
Hard Knocks hero Malcolm Rodriguez will be the player to watch for the Lions, while Alex Anzalone is a tackling machine. Philadelphia is vastly improved at linebacker with Haason Reddick, Nakobe Dean, and Kyzir White as additions.
CB -- Eagles
James Bradberry, Darius Slay, and Avonte Maddox offer a top-five trio for Jonathan Gannon. At the same time, Detroit will counter with Amani Oruwariye, Bobby Price, Jeff Okudah, and Will Harris at cornerback.
S -- Eagles
Ifeatu Melifonwu is doubtful at the safety position, while Tracy Walker III and DeShon Elliott look to contain Dallas Goedert on the backend.
The addition of C.J. Gardner-Johnson for Philadelphia gives the Eagles the edge, with Marcus Epps and Reed Blankenship as impact hitters in the secondary.
