Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Ford Field. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Eagles (4-6) at Detroit Lions (3-7)
Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET, at Ford Field, Detroit – TV: FOX
*TV announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews
*Keys to the game: A difference for Detroit during a two-game winning streak and credit to defensive coordinator Teryl Austin is adding speed to the base defense. Linebacker Tahir Whitehead and safety Isa Abdul-Quddus have played more to give the defense a jolt of speed while linebacker Josh Bynes and safety James Ihedigbo have seen their saps decrease. The improved range will come in handy against the Eagles’ multiple-receiver sets.
The Eagles stumble into Detroit with three losses in their past four games, averaging less than 19 points per game in those losses. Sam Bradford (concussion, shoulder) could be back for Philadelphia after Mark Sanchez started at quarterback last week. RB DeMarco Murray averages just 2.8 yards on first-down carries this season, forcing the Eagles into long down-distance situations and exposing a ragtag offensive line.
Philadelphia’s run defense is a major worry after Doug Martin peeled off runs of 17, 27, 58 and 84 yards last week. The Eagles are allowing 5.1 yards per carry in their past seven games, and have issues defending No. 1 receivers such as Calvin Johnson.
*Matchup to watch – Eagles CBs Byron Maxwell and Nolan Carroll vs. Lions QB Matt Stafford: Opponents have a 94.1 passer rating against the Eagles on third down. Stafford lives in attack mode and will give the Eagles chances to flip the field if they can stick with WRs Johnson and Golden Tate.
*Player spotlight – Lions RB Theo Riddick: With 50 catches for 445 receiving yards through 10 games, Riddick is proving to be one of the most reliable receiving backs in his third NFL season. “I’ve been looking forward to seeing Theo since he’s been here,” Johnson said.
*Fast facts: The Lions have scored more than 20 points just twice this season. … Eight players account for the Eagles’ 13 touchdown catches this season.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Detroit is determined to run the ball and avoid a track meet. If their secondary limits breakdowns, the Lions can win with the same formula that worked in wins over Green Bay and Oakland.
*Our pick: Lions 24-21.
