The Detroit Lions fell short of delivering the NFC Championship Game that many fans had anticipated this season.

Throughout most of the year, the Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Minnesota Vikings were the top teams in the NFC.

However, a stunning loss to the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round abruptly ended their run.

The Eagles then dominated the Commanders in the title game before routing the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, finishing a commanding playoff run with a championship.

Despite Philadelphia’s impressive performances, Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown believes Detroit could have made an impact.

On the St. Brown Podcast, he shared a bold take regarding the possibility of opening the 2025 season in Philadelphia.

“You would see with our healthy defense how that s*** operates,” St. Brown said about a potential opening night clash.

Injuries on defense were a major factor in the Lions’ loss to Washington.

Jayden Daniels and the Commanders’ offense were able to move the ball efficiently against a depleted Detroit defense that was missing nearly all of its top pass rushers, key linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, and star cornerback Carlton Davis.

The Eagles dominated the Commanders in the NFC Championship before overwhelming the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, securing a title with a dominant postseason run.

Still, St. Brown believes Detroit could have challenged them, reiterating his stance when discussing the idea of opening the 2025 season against Philadelphia.

The St. Brown Brothers discuss the possibility of the Eagles opening the 2025 regular season against the Lions 👀

“You would see with our healthy defense how that s*** operates,” St. Brown reiterated about the potential season opener.

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The Lions’ defensive struggles against Washington stemmed largely from injuries. Jayden Daniels and the Commanders took advantage of a depleted unit that lacked its best pass rushers, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Carlton Davis.

When at full strength, Detroit boasted a strong defense that helped them secure the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistent offensive play prevented them from proving themselves in a potential showdown with Philadelphia.

Next season, the Lions will face challenges in maintaining their success after losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to head coaching positions.

Head coach Dan Campbell opted for continuity on defense by promoting former linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator.

While the move should help retain the defensive scheme, Sheppard has significant shoes to fill.

The Lions would be a logical choice as the Eagles’ opening night opponent, though the league might opt for a divisional matchup like a rematch with the Commanders from the NFC title game or a showdown with the Dallas Cowboys.

If the Eagles face the Lions, NFL fans would get a thrilling matchup between two of the most talented rosters in the league.