Commanders vs. Lions - Week 10
- Date: Sunday, November 9
- Time: 4.25 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- Channel: FOX
The Washington Commanders welcome the Detroit Lions to Northwest Stadium in Week 10. This will inevitably invoke memories of the divisional round playoff clash between the two clubs last season.
Not many gave the Commanders a chance of coming away from Ford Field with a win, even though the Lions' defense was decimated by injuries. Washington overwhelmed the opposition, earning a phenomenal triumph to break Detroit hearts on its way to the NFC Championship game.
That scar runs deep, and Lions' head coach Dan Campbell will let everyone know about it during his planning for the clash.
The Lions will have revenge on their mind. They are going through some growing pains with Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn long gone, but they are still 4-2 with a legitimate opportunity to go deep into the postseason once again.
Washington cannot get complacent here. They were unable to prevent the Chicago Bears from gaining redemption for the Hail Mary miracle, with sloppy mistakes proving to be their undoing. If they do the same against the Lions, it will raise more questions than answers.
- Prediction: Commanders loss (5-5)
A lot can happen between now and then, but it's hard to look at Washington's run defense last time out and think they are capable of containing Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Commanders at Dolphins - Week 11
- Date: Sunday, November 16
- Time: 9.30 a.m. ET
- Venue: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
- Channel: NFL Network
The bye week is finally in sight for the Commanders. Before then, it's a long trek to Spain for an international series fixture against the Miami Dolphins.
This is the first NFL game played in Spain, which will take place at the magnificent Santiago Bernabéu Stadium — home of soccer juggernauts C.F. Real Madrid. But for head coach Dan Quinn, this is a business trip and nothing more.
It's a fantastic chance for the Commanders to enter their bye week on a high. The Dolphins are currently at the height of their dysfunction, and it's uncertain whether Mike McDaniel will still be their head coach by this point. Tua Tagovailoa threw his coach and teammates under the bus after his latest three-interception outing, and patience is wearing incredibly thin.
No game can be taken lightly in the NFL. The Commanders have lost contests they should have won this season. But on the face of things, there aren't many better opponents Quinn could have picked if given the chance.
- Prediction: Commanders win (6-5)
Bodies will be aching. The mental strain of the campaign will have taken its toll, necessitating a massive effort. However, the sense of occasion in unfamiliar surroundings could be enough for a much-needed win to raise confidence before their well-deserved rest period.