WASHINGTON AT DETROIT

OVERVIEW

The Lions are back to .500 for the first time since Week Two after surviving the juggernaut known as Case Keenum’s Rams, 31- 28. Detroit’s embarrassing defense made Keenum the NFL’s second- most productive quarterback in Week 6. Fortunately for the Lions, No. 1 on that list was none other than Matthew Stafford, who tossed four more touchdowns to increase his season total to 14 against just four picks. But the return of Pro Bowl DE Ezekiel Ansah did little to rectify the league’s most generous pass ‘ D,’ yielding a 119.3 passer rating – worst in the NFL and more than eight points higher than in the Lions’ 0- 16 season in 2008. Detroit is now ceding a completion percentage of 73.7 ahead of 2015 completion percentage leader Kirk Cousins’ visit. Cousins hasn’t been nearly as precise this season, however, seemingly burdened by $ 20 million weight of expectations accompanying the franchise tag. Yet, propelled by a strong ‘ D’ – Washington hasn’t permitted an offensive touchdown in seven- plus quarters – Washington has stacked four consecutive wins to remain a game behind the Cowboys in the no- longer “NFC Least.”

MATCHUP TO WATCH

Josh Norman versus Marvin Jones pairs two of free agency’s biggest bread- winners that have actually matched, if not exceeded, expectations. Jordan Reed, if he makes it back from another concussion, and/ or Vernon Davis is the latest tight end threat to a Lions defense that has permitted seven touchdowns to the position. Yet, it’s Ansah versus Washington LT Trent Williams that might be the best, and most impactful, matchup Sunday. Cousins has been sacked just one time over the past two games, the same number of times Detroit dropped Keenum. Detroit doesn’t appear to have coverage reinforcements on the way so it must get its best havoc wreaker stirring it up front.