The Detroit Lions are currently the NFL’s top team. Tied for the best record at 9-1, they boast a historically high DVOA through 10 games and are widely considered the league’s best team in Week 12 power rankings.
However, no team is unbeatable. The 2007 Patriots fell to the Giants in the Super Bowl, and even the Chiefs, despite their recent dominance, averaged 4.3 regular-season losses in their three Super Bowl campaigns.
While the Lions seem unstoppable, they’re likely to drop a game or two before the season ends, and their Super Bowl aspirations are far from guaranteed.
On this week’s Midweek Mailbag, Erik Schlitt and I discussed the teams most capable of defeating Detroit and why.
The obvious threats are AFC powerhouses: the Chiefs, Ravens, and Bills. These teams boast elite, playmaking quarterbacks who can turn the tide regardless of supporting talent.
“They all have mobile quarterbacks who can get loose and cause problems,” Schlitt said.
“They can rise above the skill level of their other players. Against those teams, the Lions might still be favored, but it wouldn’t be easy.”
One NFC team also stands out: the Philadelphia Eagles. Riding a six-game winning streak, they possess traits that could trouble Detroit.
“Strong defenses that can pressure the quarterback with four rushers are a problem for this offense—and any offense,” I noted.
“The Eagles’ defensive front, essentially the Georgia defense from the last few years, could dominate.” Their offensive line and receivers like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith also present challenges.
Still, Schlitt believes the Lions hold one decisive advantage. “The Eagles’ coaching staff can’t hold a candle to the Lions’,” he said.
You can hear the full discussion at the 37:15 mark of this week’s episode.