Nolan Bianchi, Richard Silva, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News offer predictions for Sunday’s game between the Lions and Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland (4:25 p.m., Fox/97.1).
▶ Nolan Bianchi: This is a get-right spot for the Lions, who, despite the doom and gloom of the last week, are still in a much better position than Washington. I expect the Lions’ defense to have a bounce-back performance (it was the least of Detroit’s problems Sunday) and think Washington’s leaky run defense presents an excellent opportunity for the Lions to get their ground game on track. The Commanders are desperate (just like the Vikings were last week), so the likelihood of this being a true butt-kicking is low, but I do think the Lions will get off the mat and cover the spread. Pick: Lions, 30-20
▶ John Niyo: The Lions haven’t lost consecutive games in more than three years. They haven’t gone three straight games without scoring 25-plus points in nearly four years. I don’t think either streak will end in Washington, even though Jared Goff’s history against Dan Quinn’s defenses suggests otherwise. Dan Campbell’s team got some encouraging news on the injury front this week, with both Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker looking like a go for Sunday. If so, the Lions should find room to run outside against Washington, and the Commanders’ banged-up secondary will give up some big plays on deep shots, which is something I’d also expect the Lions to exploit. On the other side, Washington just isn’t the same threat offensively without Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin on the field. Grab an early lead on the road and this one could get away from the Commanders just like the last few have. Pick: Lions, 31-21
▶ Richard Silva: Maybe this game was circled on the calendar when schedules were released over the summer, with the Lions hoping to get some payback on the team that bounced them from last season’s playoffs. But the Lions, losers of two of their last three, shouldn’t have to rely on a desire for revenge to win this one. I’ve grown more concerned with the offense in recent weeks, but I still think this unit has enough talent to put up enough points, especially against a Commanders defense that lacks a true No. 1 pass rusher. Offensively, Washington’s rushing attack with rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt is notable, and quarterback Marcus Mariota is a respectable backup. I’m expecting Detroit’s run defense to bounce back after a substandard performance versus the Vikings. Pick: Lions, 28-20
▶ Bob Wojnowski: The Lions should be angry, annoyed and perhaps a bit vengeful. Of course the Commanders without quarterback Jayden Daniels aren’t the same team that beat the Lions in the playoffs. Marcus Mariota is a capable veteran backup who can make some plays with his legs. But if the defense isn’t primed for this one, I’d be shocked. The Lions haven’t lost two in a row in three years, and Dan Campbell and Jared Goff are the main reasons. Both were thoroughly bothered by the letdown against the Vikings, which usually makes them thoroughly motivated. Jahmyr Gibbs will be active as a receiver out of the backfield and the offensive line will tighten up its communication issues. Look for Goff to take more deep shots against Washington’s bottom-ranked pass defense. It certainly won’t make anyone forget the playoff loss, but a solid win makes the Lions feel better about the stretch run. Pick: Lions, 34-20
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