Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL
The Detroit Lions defense is banged up. They are missing some key personnel, although there is hope that stud edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson can get back if they reach the Super Bowl. That provides optimism for the Washington Commanders, but they cannot be underestimated.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is a master at his craft. He's maximized the weapons at his disposal to ensure minimal momentum was lost. The game plan devised to make Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold's life awkward in Week 18 enhanced his head coaching credentials considerably.
He's also got some beef on the defensive front that must be thwarted effectively. D.J. Reader is a brute force — the catalyst behind Detroit's top-five run defense. He'll be lining up more often than not against left guard Nick Allegretti, who must rise to the occasion.
Allegretti has experience in big-game environments such as this. He was thrown into the fire with the Kansas City Chiefs for last year's AFC Conference championship game when Joe Thuney went down. His accomplished production over the final two games helped Andy Reid's men go back-to-back.
The former Illinois standout needs to hold firm versus Reader at the point of attack. He'll need help on occasion, but he cannot flounder in the middle with rookie third-rounder Brandon Coleman on the blindside.
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
Marshon Lattimore should be better for another game and a full week of practice under his belt. But the veteran shutdown cornerback might not be at 100 percent as he continues to tackle a complicated hamstring issue.
This means Mike Sainristil will once again be tasked with significant responsibilities. The rookie second-round has been a revelation for the Commanders this season, providing assured coverage and coping extremely well with his transition from the slot to the boundary. That was a lot to ask of the first-year pro, but he's taken on the challenge and thrived.
When Lattimore struggled mightily against wide receiver Mike Evans in the first half last weekend, it forced Washington to adjust. The four-time Pro Bowler got more help over the top. The Commanders utilized Sainristil on him more frequently with great success.
This is a testament to Sainristil's mindset, accomplished credentials, and willingness to take on the league's best despite his lack of experience. He'll need all this and more at the Detroit Lions.
Detroit's offense is exceptional. Their prolific running back tandem sets the tone. Their offensive line is outstanding, bookended by offensive tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker. Jared Goff is an efficient quarterback with the likes of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams capable of turning short gains into significant yards. Tight end Sam LaPorta is an assured option over the middle and a supreme red-zone threat.
Sainristil — the entire secondary for that matter — need to be at the top of their game. Otherwise, this isn't going to end well for Washington.
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