Goff, Gibbs can spark Detroit Lions’ playoff hopes; Carter, Baun fuel Philadelphia Eagles’ SB bid

In the final sprint to the 2025 NFL postseason, a strong unit can elevate a contender from dangerous to downright scary.

Some teams thrive on offensive firepower, others on defensive grit, and both approaches can take teams all the way to the Super Bowl.

DAZN News’ Gavin Babbitt breaks down two such NFL units to watch below.

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The steady Lions offense 

The Lions lead the NFL in scoring and are immersed in the NFC wild-card race. With an injured defense, this unit’s performance down the stretch is critical to Detroit’s playoff hopes.

Detroit have one of the league’s most efficient passing games by keeping Jared Goff’s throws near the line of scrimmage. This pairs seamlessly with Detroit’s skill players, who can make plays with the ball in their hands. Goff’s completion rate of 70.1% is the second highest of his career, and the team leads the NFL in yards after the catch (1,981).

Jahmyr Gibbs is second among NFL running backs in receptions this season. He has 474 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. Amon-Ra St. Brown plays evenly from the slot and on the outside - he is a top-10 receiver in yards after the catch per reception (5.1).

Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta round things out - Goff has passer ratings of 127.8 and 134.2, targeting the two, respectively. 

The Lions’ running game supplements its passing game well, making them difficult to predict - and defend against - from one play to the next.

Gibbs and David Montgomery have the Lions among the top three teams in rushing yards per play (5.1). Gibbs is fifth overall in rushing yardage (1,062) and second in rushing touchdowns (13) this season. The third-year star is effective running in any direction and is one of the NFL’s best big-play running backs.

Montgomery is a different challenge for defenses. A physical runner adept at inside runs, he draws defenders into the box and can set up play-action or convert first downs in short-yardage situations.

Detroit also uses Montgomery's goal-line efficiency to their advantage: the 28-year-old has five touchdowns inside the 10-yard line behind a top-tier offensive line.

This offense must be at their best in this week’s matchup against the Rams in Los Angeles. The Rams own one of the NFL’s top scoring defenses and are exceptional in limiting rushing touchdowns. The Lions will need a big performance from Jared Goff in the red zone.

The persistent Eagles defense 

The Eagles have lost three straight, but their defense - with the exception of that Bears' contest - is keeping them in games.

With an offense that has eclipsed 20 points only once in its last five outings, the Philadelphia D has little margin for error going forward.

This season, the Eagles rank 22nd in yardage per game allowed (341.6) but are still a top-10 scoring defense. Philadelphia is excellent at defending the red zone and has been better against the pass. 

Quinyon Mitchell is allowing receptions at the second-lowest rate among NFL cornerbacks this year. He has conceded a passer rating of 56.2 and has yet to allow a touchdown.

Cooper DeJean plays the slot and is third in the NFL in pass breakups (10) - he allows a catch on one of every 13 of his coverage snaps.

Zack Baun is excellent against the pass. He is in the top 15 at his position in receiving yardage allowed and is dependable in man coverage. 

This group’s ability to defend receivers and tight ends in the red zone is a key defensive attribute. The Eagles have allowed the second-fewest passing touchdowns in the NFL this season (13). 

Philadelphia’s pass rush supports its coverage with consistent pressure. Up front, Jaelen Phillips, Jalen Carter, and Jordan Davis have combined to help the unit create the seventh-most quarterback pressures in the league. They have an opportunity to build their sack total this week against the Raiders. 

Jordan Davis, Zack Baun, and Reed Blankenship are top-30 players in tackles against the run. That trio provides the Eagles with the ability to stop ball carriers at all three levels. 

Philadelphia is allowing only 21 points per game despite the turmoil in recent weeks. The unit is essential to the Eagles maintaining their lead in the NFC East over the next month.