By: Jeremy T. Ballreich
The Detroit Lions (5-3) travel to Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, for a Week 10 showdown with the Washington Commanders (3-6). For the Lions, this game is a critical chance to shake off the rust and correct the execution errors that led to a painful divisional loss to the Vikings. For the struggling Commanders, who have lost four in a row and are dealing with key injuries, this is an opportunity to prove they can still compete at home.
The Lions enter this matchup as significant favorites, and for good reason: they boast one of the league’s most explosive offenses and a defense that ranks in the top ten in total yards allowed. Washington, meanwhile, is trying to find its footing after losing starting quarterback Jayden Daniels to an elbow injury, forcing veteran Marcus Mariota into the starting role against a hungry Detroit defense.
The Stakes: Getting Back on Track:
Following the disappointing home loss in Week 9, the Lions fell back into a tight race in the NFC North. While the defense showed flashes, the team’s issues—specifically pass protection, special teams blunders, and turnovers—were severely exposed. This road trip is less about the opponent and more about the Lions proving they are a serious contender capable of eliminating self-inflicted wounds. A win here is mandatory to maintain their playoff standing and build confidence before the hardest part of their schedule arrives.
For the Commanders, the narrative is much different. They sit third in the NFC East and are reeling from a string of losses, including a recent blowout. Without their starting quarterback, the focus shifts to running the ball effectively and relying on their veteran defenders to create chaos.
Key Matchup 1: Lions Ground Game vs. Commanders Run Defense:
This is arguably the biggest mismatch in the game and the area where the Lions must establish control immediately. Detroit’s running back tandem of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery has been excellent all season, helping the Lions rank 9th in rushing offense, averaging over 125 yards per game.
The Commanders’ run defense has struggled significantly, ranking 22nd in the league and giving up over 124 rushing yards per game. Gibbs, who was held to a quiet game last week, is poised for a major bounce-back performance against a Washington defense that is prone to giving up chunk plays on the ground. If the Lions can establish their power running game early with Montgomery and use Gibbs’s speed to exploit the edges, they can control the clock, keep the Washington offense off the field, and protect quarterback Jared Goff from the pressures he faced last week. Expect the Lions to lean heavily on the run to set the tone.
Key Matchup 2: Jared Goff vs. Washington’s Secondary:
Lions quarterback Jared Goff has had a fantastic season, ranking second in the league in completion percentage and tied for third in passing touchdowns. However, the five sacks he took last week highlight the need for better protection. He will be facing a Commanders pass defense that ranks 29th in the NFL, allowing over 253 passing yards per game.
This is a dream matchup for Detroit’s elite pass-catchers. Amon-Ra St. Brown, one of the league’s top wide receivers, and tight end Sam LaPorta, who has been a revelation in the passing game, should be able to feast against a struggling Washington secondary that has been torched for the fifth-highest adjusted completion percentage to receivers. If the offensive line can simply provide Goff with average protection—something they are usually very good at—he should have plenty of time to find open receivers for explosive plays downfield. Look for the Lions to attack the deep middle of the field with LaPorta and wide receiver Jameson Williams.
Washington’s Game Plan: Defense and Mariota’s Mobility:
The Commanders’ best strategy will be to play a conservative, ball-control game. With Marcus Mariota at quarterback, Washington’s offense will likely prioritize his mobility and the team’s strong run game to limit possessions. Mariota can extend plays with his legs, and Washington ranks a respectable 4th in the league in rushing offense (139.9 YPG). If they can consistently move the chains on the ground, they might frustrate Detroit’s defense and keep the score low.
Defensively, the Commanders, led by veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner, will try to generate pressure up the middle to disrupt Goff’s timing, much like the Vikings did. However, given their defensive struggles, this will be a tall order. They must force turnovers and get a spectacular special teams play to have a real chance at an upset.
The Verdict:
This game is a litmus test for Detroit. Good teams turn disappointing performances into motivation for the following week. Given Washington’s offensive challenges with a backup quarterback and their defensive struggles against both the run and the pass, the Lions should have a distinct advantage in every phase of the game except possibly the running attack, where Washington is very effective.
If the Lions fix their protection issues and avoid the major penalties and special teams mishaps that plagued them last week, their superior firepower should be enough to control the game from start to finish. This is the kind of game a true playoff team must win convincingly.
Final Score Prediction: Lions 31, Commanders 17
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