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Washington Football Team vs. Lions Week 10 preview, score prediction

By Ian Cummings

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 24: Jeff Driskel #2 of the Detroit Lions prepares to receive the snap during the second half of the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 24: Jeff Driskel #2 of the Detroit Lions prepares to receive the snap during the second half of the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 08: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team warms up before the game against the New York Giants at FedExField on November 08, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 08: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team warms up before the game against the New York Giants at FedExField on November 08, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /

Offense

Ultimately, the Giants game was seen as an opportunity for the Washington Football Team to keep their momentum going, and they couldn’t do that. So we shouldn’t simply assume that they’re going to get right against the Lions. But if there was ever a game for Washington’s offense to get back on track, it’s the Lions game.

The Lions have one of the ten worst statistical defensive units in the league. They’re one of just five teams to allow over 30 points per game through nine weeks, and their rushing defense is particularly bad — third-worst in the league, allowing 148.1 rushing yards per game. To make matters worse for Detroit, defensive linemen Danny Shelton and Nick Williams are both banged up, and might not be able to play on Sunday.

Of course, Washington shouldn’t run the ball just to run the ball. The game script needs to be more creative and aggressive than that. But there exists an opportunity for Washington to let Antonio Gibson loose, if they can jump out to a quick lead with the passing game.

Speaking of the passing game, all eyes will be on Alex Smith as he makes his first start since November of 2018. Can the connections with Terry McLaurin and Cam Sims continue to bear fruit? Can Smith cut down on the turnovers and get back to his efficient, winning ways?

Detroit’s secondary isn’t as mistake-prone as its front, but still, the unit is relatively young, and it doesn’t have a good pass rush unit to benefit from. Consequently, it could fall victim to a budding offensive skill cast. It all depends on Smith’s ability to take advantage. He showed surprising playmaking ability in Week 9, but he can’t keep getting in his own way.

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