Washington (2-6) at Lions (3-5)
Sunday, 1 ET at Ford Field, Detroit
TV:
Danny Sheridan’s line: by 3 1⁄
2
Washington’s keys to victory: With QB Kyle Allen unavailable, coach Ron Rivera will turn back to QB Alex Smith under center, and he’ll need to rely on WR Terry McLaurin as his top option. Coaches need to get rookie RB Antonio Gibson more touches, as he could thrive against a run defense that has been wildly inconsistent. If the defensive front can take away the Lions’ running game and make their offense one-dimensional, they should be able to cover up their issues in the secondary. DT Jonathan Allen will be the key.
Lions’ keys to victory: QB Matthew Stafford is hands down the most important player on the offense. If WR Kenny Golladay is unavailable, the Lions will lean on TE T.J. Hockenson to step up. Hockenson should be a mismatch against Washington’s safeties. On defense, the Lions will need to tap back into the scheme that was working for them post-bye: a big defensive front and an even split of coverages. When they lean too hard toward man or zone, they often get exposed.
Matchup to watch: LT Taylor Decker vs. DE Chase Young. This battle between Ohio State products could be the deciding factor. Decker will look to stunt the rookie’s terrific season and keep the Lions’ options on offense open, while Young will do everything he can to disrupt the Detroit game plan.
Who wins? The Lions’ defense is impossible to trust, and if Washington’s offense can put up 20 points, which it has been able to the last two games, it could secure the victory.
Washington 20-17
– Erik Schlitt
Lions Wire
Fox
Lions