If' it's Saturday, it's time for the fearless Eagles prediction.

So far, despite my belief that this is not a very good team, I have gone with the Birds both weeks. And been wrong both times as the Eagles got off to an ignominious 0-2 start.

Those two losses have come against thoroughly mediocre foes, teams that have played into the Eagles' strengths, temas they should have handled.

Not so this week.

The rejuvenated Detroit Lions come to town sporting an unblemished 2-0 record. Unlike their two previous opponents, this week's opponent will push the Eagles defense. This team has a lot of bullets in the holster, a high-powered offense with a dynamite group of wide receivers.

Bottom line is this: The Eagles will need to score points to win this game. I don't think they're up to it.

Donovan McNabb is playing hurt. Whether he should be on the field is an argument for another time. Right now he's all the Eagles have got. And it's not enough. Unless they can cobble together another huge day out of Brian Westbrook, who basically constitutes their offense these days, , the Birds are going to be in trouble. Not helping matters is the fact that Westbrook will be playing on a sore knee.

They will celebrate the Eagles 75th anniversary Sunday at the Linc. The Eagles will play in throwback blue and yellow uniforms.

Most fans will simply throw up, as the Lions smoke the Birds, 31-16.

Woe-and-3.

Let's go, Phillies.