The Detroit Lions are gaining attention as a top contender for one of the most anticipated games of the next NFL season.
The Detroit Lions entered this year with Super Bowl aspirations, but those dreams were crushed early with a 54-31 loss to the Washington Commanders at Ford Field. However, after the Chiefs suffered a heavy defeat to the Eagles in the Super Bowl, the Lions’ performance is starting to look a bit more favorable in comparison.
Now, the Detroit Lions are being considered favorites to face the Eagles in the first game of the 2025 NFL season.
Following the Super Bowl, where the Philadelphia Eagles emerged as champions, tradition dictates that they will host the opening game of the upcoming season on the first Thursday night. As soon as the Eagles were crowned champions, NFL analysts began speculating about which team could be chosen to challenge them in the season opener.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted on February 9 with several potential contenders, including the Commanders, Cowboys, Giants, Bears, Raiders, Rams, Broncos, and, of course, the Lions.
One factor that could influence the Lions’ chances is their involvement in last year’s season opener, where they faced the Kansas City Chiefs. On the negative side, it might be too soon for the Lions to appear again, but the positive reception of that game could encourage the NFL to schedule them once more.
Kevin Patra of NFL.com also shared his thoughts on the possible opening game matchup, focusing on the Lions. He pointed out that this would be the NFC clash we didn’t get to see in the 2024 postseason after the Lions’ heavy loss to the Washington Commanders.
He added, “Despite losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Detroit should still have a dynamic offense led by Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Facing the Eagles’ No. 1 passing defense would create an intriguing opening matchup.”
Patra also raised the question of whether the Eagles could contain the Lions’ offense, especially with the Lions’ strong offensive line, which is noted as an advantage over the Chiefs’ line.
Patra emphasized the growing viewership of the Lions under coach Dan Campbell, which could bolster their chances. As reported by Anthony Crupi of Sportico, the Detroit Lions were the most-watched NFL team during the 2024 regular season.
Brad Berreman of SideLion Report echoed the sentiment, agreeing that the Lions could be an exciting choice for the matchup against the Eagles. He pointed out that “the NFL rarely passes up the chance to maximize an audience and its revenue.”
He continued, “While having one of the Eagles’ NFC East rivals as the opponent could be fine, seeing the Lions travel to Philadelphia to kick off the 2025 season would definitely be more intriguing.”
We’ll know for sure which team will face the Eagles in the season opener by mid-May, when the NFL schedule is typically released.
