Eagles vs. Lions Fantasy Football: Who should you start/sit?

Sit Em’

Alshon Jeffery, WR

Here is the deal. If wide receiver, Alshon Jeffery, gets the nod to play, he could have a huge game. He would have to deal with Slay in front of him, but his height advantage and physicality should give him the edge.

Unfortunately, he is still listed as questionable. Head coach Doug Pederson and the Eagles’ coaching staff are hopeful he can go. He did not practice all week, due to a calf strain. That is what has us worried and very doubtful.

See what Pederson said on the matter. It was short and sweet.

"DeSean will be out of this game. I’m still optimistic about Jeffery."

Jeffery could be a game-time decision, and by then, lineups may be locked. So, for us personally, we would not risk it. Unless we find out Jeffery is for sure active, and that would have to be well before the kickoff.

Jordan Howard, RB

While we were excited about the addition of former Chicago Bears’ running back, Jordan Howard, we have yet to be impressed. That is not really Howard’s fault, though. He shares a backfield with two other running backs, Darren Sproles and Miles Sanders. He has not established himself as the Eagles’ number one back yet. We don’t see that happening anytime soon, if at all.

He leads backs with 62 yards, but he barely gets touches. There is one positive if you wish to start him or another back. The Lions run defense allows an average of 4.8 yards-per-carry.

So, Howard could finally get it going this week, but that all depends on if the Birds let him loose. If not, he is not worthy of a start.

Defense/Special Teams

Philly has one of the best run defenses in the league, and Detroit’s running back, Kerryon Johnson has yet to really get going. However, that secondary and pass defense is suspect. They have allowed an average of around 316 passing yards, through two games.

That is not good, folks. Not to mention, it seems like the defensive backs get burned on every other play or get tricked by the double moves, which we have become accustomed to.

The blown assignments are a huge red flag, and even when the coverage is spot on, the Eagles’ lack of height gets exploited. The Lions have some huge receivers and that height difference could play to Detroit’s advantage.

Sanders is expected to handle the kick returns since Corey Clement is out. Sproles is, of course, a threat on the punt return side, and could possibly break one. It has been a while, and he was sidelined most of last season with an injury, so he is due.

There are just too many red flags with the pass coverage. We would not take the risk, but that is up to you.