The Detroit Lions began the season 4-1 but have since lost two of their previous three contests. This week, the Lions are facing the Washington Commanders, who are 3-6 and have lost four consecutive games. Washington won the last matchup, but Detroit has won six of the last eight.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, the Lions are a -8.5 point favorite with the game having an over-under of 49.5 points. Here is my Commanders vs. Lions breakdown and my best bet for the game on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.
Commanders vs. Lions prediction, preview
The Commanders are without their star QB, Jayden Daniels, after he suffered a dislocated elbow. Marcus Mariota will make his fourth start of the season against the Lions. Detroit’s QB, Jared Goff, is having another good season, throwing for 1,915 yards, 17 touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Although the Lions have been inconsistent this season, when their offense is clicking, it remains one of the best in the NFL. The Lions’ offense is averaging 29.9 points per game, which is the second-highest in the NFL. Detroit has been excellent coming off a loss this season. The Lions have won by 31 and 15 points after losing the previous game this year.
The Lions have one of the best backfields in the NFL with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, but against the Vikings, they only combined for 65 rushing yards. It is unlikely that Montgomery and Gibbs will be shut down in two straight weeks.
The Commanders’ defense allows the fifth most yards (377.8) to opposing offenses in the NFL. Washington did score 41 and 27 points with Mariota under center, but struggled against a better opponent in Kansas City. The Commanders have scored 14 or fewer points in three of their previous five games, and it would be surprising if they can keep up with the Lions’ elite offense.
Commanders vs. Lions pick, best bet
All five of the Lions’ wins this season have come by at least eight points, with four of them being by nine or more. Dan Campbell will surely have the Lions prepared after a loss and should be able to beat up on Commanders team without Daniels.
