Redskins vs. Lions preview: Matchups to watch, score prediction, more

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 23: Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins looks for running yards while playing the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 23, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan Detroit won the game 20-17. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 23: Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins looks for running yards while playing the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 23, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan Detroit won the game 20-17. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 17: Derrius Guice #29 and Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins leave the field after the game against the New York Jets at FedExField on November 17, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 17: Derrius Guice #29 and Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins leave the field after the game against the New York Jets at FedExField on November 17, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Score Prediction

Speaking from experience as a Lions fan, both of these teams like to lose unexpectedly, so picking the winner of this game is more challenging than one would think. The Lions are also without Matthew Stafford again, who was playing at a near-MVP level before his injury. Jeff Driskel is serviceable as a backup, but he doesn’t present the mismatch that Stafford does as a passer.

That said, Driskel can damage defenses with his legs, and the Redskins defense has been fairly porous all year. This game will present a chance for both quarterbacks to open up their offenses and generate some production. Ultimately, I see the Lions coming out with the victory, as they’re the better team with more established coaching.

Despite this prediction, however, Washington should be more competitive than usual, and their young players should continue to show progress. They’ll have a full week at home to settle and get comfortable, and the offense should continue to mesh in Dwayne Haskins’ third week as the full-time starter. There will still be inconsistencies, but the unit won’t be inept.

Score Prediction: WAS 20, DET 27

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What do you think the final score will be in the Redskins Week 12 contest? Will Washington compete against the Lions, or will they be in for another lopsided affair? Feel free to let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!