Ex-Steelers star asserts Dan Campbell's Lions aren't NFC's top team despite 12-1 record
ESPN analyst and former Steelers star Ryan Clark dropped a bold against Detroit Lions' remarkable season. He argues that the Philadelphia Eagles (10-2) remain the superior team in the NFC, despite the Lions' 12-1 start.
Clark made the statement during Thursday's segment on ESPN's Get Up morning show during a conversation with host Mike Greenberg.
"The Philadelphia Eagles are the best team [in the NFC]," Clark said. "Without a doubt. I have no problem saying that and I think — and I love the Lions — I think the Lions are a team that's shown that they can win the football game in so many ways … [but] you've lost too many good players to go beat a team that still has all of theirs."
The NFC playoff picture reveals a fascinating race. The Detroit Lions lead with a 12-1 record, followed closely by the Philadelphia Eagles at 10-2 and the Minnesota Vikings at 10-2. The Atlanta Falcons (6-6) currently lead the NFC South, while the Seattle Seahawks (7-5) top the NFC West.
Ryan Clark's case for the Eagles against the Detroit Lions
Adding more on why he picked Eagles over Lions as NFC's team to beat, Clark said:
"I feel like the continuity the Philadelphia Eagles have built, along with the way their top-end football players are performing on both sides of the ball, really sets them apart. Jalen Carter is possibly the best interior lineman in all of football right now.
"On the back end, Quinyon Mitchell has emerged as a star at the cornerback position, Cooper DeJean continues to be a constant playmaker, and Nakobe Dean has taken a significant step forward. Defensively, this team, to me, is head and shoulders above what the Detroit Lions are."
The playoff path looks treacherous for the Detroit Lions. Their remaining schedule includes tough matchups against the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings.
In contrast, the Eagles face easier opponents like the Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and their relatively weak NFC East division.
The NFC North race adds another layer of complexity. The Detroit Lions currently lead, with the Vikings just one game behind and the Green Bay Packers two games back. Tiebreakers could become crucial, with head-to-head records, divisional performance and common opponent results potentially determining the division champion.
With the NFL season marching toward its climax, Clark's bold proclamation adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling playoff race. The Eagles and Detroit Lions are on a collision course that could ultimately determine who represents the NFC in the Super Bowl.