Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has taken over play calling for the offense, and it could be just what the team needs ahead of a Sunday Night Football showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles.
While the long-term success of this switch is still unclear, we do know Campbell will share the ball among his array of offensive weapons, which includes more opportunities for running back David Montgomery.
He’s the focus of my Lions vs. Eagles predictions and best NFL picks for November 16.
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Lions vs Eagles prediction
Lions vs Eagles Best bet: David Montgomery Over 40.5 rushing yards (-114)
The Detroit Lions’ dynamic rushing attack of “Sonic and Knuckles” had been a lot more “Sonic” in recent weeks.
Jahmyr Gibbs received the bulk of work in the backfield when first-year offensive coordinator John Morton was holding the play sheet. However, with Campbell at the wheel in Week 10, carries were spread between the RB tandem, with both guys getting 15 attempts against the Commanders last Sunday.
David Montgomery — who had 13 or fewer carries in seven of the eight games before Week 10 — made the most of that extra involvement, taking those 15 runs 71 total yards — his second biggest rushing output of the season.
Washington isn’t much for opposition (allowing 134 rushing yards per game), and Detroit did go a touch more run heavy as it played with a big lead in the second half. But Montgomery’s work wasn’t resigned to garbage time by any means.
Unlike past outings, he was involved in the opening scripts and took four handoffs in the first two offensive possessions. Under Morton, Gibbs was the bell cow back in those opening drives, while Monty barely got touches before halftime.
"It felt that way, yeah, it felt good," Montgomery told reporters when asked if he noticed a change in involvement with Campbell running the show.
This Lions’ offense is anchored in play action, and Campbell is dedicated to establishing the run early and often, in turn setting up the passing playbook to succeed.
With Morton calling the shots, Detroit’s play-action usage slipped drastically compared to former OC Ben Johnson’s league-leading rates. Week 10 saw those PA passes skyrocket, thanks to Campbell and the early impact from the rushing corps.
Running the ball is Detroit’s best plan of attack against the Eagles. Philadelphia does show weakness on the ground, sitting 25th in opponent success rate per handoff (44.3%), 21st in run defense DVOA at FTN, and 24th in run stop win rate at ESPN.
Those all add up to an average of 4.4 yards allowed per carry (20th) and a Lions run game grinding out first downs.
Montgomery’s player projections aren’t overwhelming by any means, with most sitting just north of his current rushing yards total. That said, those metrics do not account for the shift in philosophy under Campbell’s guidance.
“Knuckles” will continue to see a spike in touches on Sunday night and get those crucial short-yardage carries on third and fourth down, adding up to more than 40.5 yards on the ground.
Lions vs Eagles SNF same-game parlay
Let’s hope this possible NFC title game preview lives up to the hype. I like the Philadelphia Eagles and the various ways they can win games.
It’s been three games since we got a “Tush Push” touchdown. That’s one of the longest scoring droughts from Jalen Hurts in years, and it'll be snapped on Sunday.
Lions vs Eagles SGP
- Eagles moneyline
- David Montgomery Over 40.5 rushing yards
- Jalen Hurts anytime touchdown
Our big-ticket SGP: Weapons galore
Jameson Williams’ involvement spiked with Campbell’s calls, grabbing four passes in Week 10.
Lions vs Eagles SGP
- Eagles moneyline
- David Montgomery Over 40.5 rushing yards
- Jalen Hurts anytime touchdown
- Jameson Williams Over 3.5 receptions
Lions vs Eagles odds
- Spread: Detroit +2.5 | Philadelphia -2.5
- Moneyline: Detroit +120 | Philadelphia -142
- Over/Under: Over 46.5 (-114) | Under 46.5 (-106)
Lions vs Eagles betting trend to know
Philadelphia is a perfect 7-0 SU and ATS when laying a field goal or less at home since 2021. Find more NFL betting trends for Lions vs. Eagles.
How to watch Lions vs Eagles
| Location | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA |
| Date | Sunday, November 16, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 8:20 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBC |
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