Washington Redskins vs. Detroit Lions, 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, FOX
The Redskins win if…
The rushing game gets going early and often.
Quietly, Washington has built a very formidable squad as we approach the halfway mark of the year. They’re not the flashiest bunch in the league, but there’s no arguing that their style of football is largely equated to the recipe to winning games in the NFL. Matt Jones is blossoming into what his potential says he can be, seemingly improving by the week. If the Redskins can establish the run in the first quarter to dominate time of possession, their defense has plenty of prowess to lead them to a road victory in Detroit.
The Lions win if…
They can create plays in space on offense and tighten up the middle of their defense.
Unfortunately for Detroit, they run into a Redskins team this weekend that will attack them from multiple angles. Washington can do a little bit of everything on both sides, which makes them a hearty threat not only in this one, but as the season progresses. For the Lions to pick up the win, it’ll take a group effort that sees Jim Bob Cooter dialing up creative schemes on one side, while leaders on defense continue to develop and mesh together to have their best game of the season. On paper, the Lions are at the disadvantage – but a win here isn’t totally out of the conversation, especially at home.
Redskins continue to cruise led by Matt Jones, take down Detroit, 23-20.