Published Nov 7, 12:10pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Nov 7, 12:10pm ET
Grok AI
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| Washington Commanders | +8 (-110) |
| Detroit Lions | -8 (-110) |
After an opening week loss to the Packers, the offseason talk of the Lions' championship window closing grew louder. Both coordinators got head coaching jobs; their division was hellishly tough; and they had fallen short in consecutive seasons when they were viewed as Super Bowl favorites.
Then they won four straight, including big wins over the Bears and Ravens. A loss to the Chiefs was followed by an impressive win over the Buccaneers. In Week 9, however, the Vikings beat them 27-24 in J.J. McCarthy's return.
He missed several throws, too. But it's hard not to get excited about the upside when you see a guy do stuff like this, in career start No. 3, against one of the league's top teams.
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) November 3, 2025
J.J. McCarthy's best plays vs. Lions: pic.twitter.com/Kvl8M6Rj0N
Now, they're 5-3, a half-game behind Green Bay, tied with Chicago, and one game in front of Minnesota.
If they slip up, they could easily miss the playoffs.
Fortunately for them, they travel to Washington to play the reeling Commanders.
Statistically, Detroit has been solid in all facets. They are 10th defensively in rushing yards allowed per game. They're 12th in defensive passing yards. For takeaway differential, they're ranked 5th at +6. The offense has been as good as expected, with offensive powerhouse Jahmyr Gibbs rising to the top of the league.
Detroit stood pat at the trade deadline.
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Penei Sewell, OT | INJURED |
| Taylor Decker, OT | INJURED |
| Craig Reynolds, RB | INJURED |
| Jacob Saylors, RB | INJURED |
| Miles Frazier, G | INJURED |
| Christian Mahogany, G | INJURED |
| Josh Paschal, DE | INJURED |
| Malcolm Rodriguez, LB | INJURED |
| Kerby Joseph, S | INJURED |
| Grant Stuard, LB | INJURED |
| Dan Skipper, OT | INJURED |
| Pat O'Connor, DE | INJURED |
After the Commanders' unexpected rise to the NFC Championship Game, there were high hopes that the Commanders, with the addition of Deebo Samuel, would take the next logical step as a Super Bowl contender.
However, injuries and what appears to be a sophomore slump have doomed them with half the season left.
In Week 9, QB Jayden Daniels dislocated his elbow late in the game as Washington endured a beating by the Seahawks. There is a reasonable argument that head coach Dan Quinn should have conceded and pulled Daniels, particularly since the young star QB has already had a knee and hamstring problem this season.
Jayden Daniels was helped off the field after suffering an apparent arm injury.
— ESPN (@espn) November 3, 2025
(📺 NBC) pic.twitter.com/teUCS2Q3fD
Backup Marcus Mariota has played reasonably well this season, but for all intents and purposes, Washington is playing out the string. Even if Daniels were healthy, they are also without running back Austin Ekeler, defensive back Marshon Lattimore, and wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
Their defense has been weak, ranked in the lower third of the league in passing and rushing yards allowed per game. They are near the bottom in takeaway differential.
Detroit has no excuse for failing to win by double-digits.
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Jayden Daniels, QB | INJURED |
| Eddie Goldman, DT | INJURED |
| Quan Martin, S | INJURED |
| Trey Amos, CB | INJURED |
| Tyler Owens, S | INJURED |
| Marshon Lattimore, CB | INJURED |
| Luke McCaffrey, WR | INJURED |
| Terry McLaurin, WR | INJURED |
| Colson Yankoff, TE | INJURED |
In Week 10 Lions-Commanders, the easy analogy is the lion chasing wounded prey. The logical result is obvious. It's only a matter of time.
Washington is too battered, not just physically, but emotionally as well, to compete in this game. Add in the Lions' desperation and this one should be over by halftime. Detroit will easily cover the spread.
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Pick
Detroit Lions -8
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