Detroit Lions (5-3) vs. Washington Commanders (3-6)
**Game Details:**
– **Time:** 4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Nov. 9
– **Location:** Northwest Stadium, Landover, Maryland
– **Broadcast:** Fox; WXYT-FM (97.1)
– **Line:** Lions by 8
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### Coaches
– **Detroit Lions:** Dan Campbell (49-38-1 overall, 44-31-1 with Lions)
– **Washington Commanders:** Dan Quinn (58-53 overall, 15-11 with Commanders)
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### Last Meeting
The last time these two teams met was on January 18, 2025, in the NFC divisional round, where the Commanders defeated the Lions 45-31.
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### Key Matchups
#### DT Alim McNeill vs. OL Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard praised defensive tackle Alim McNeill during his Thursday news conference:
*”It’s a no-brainer that if you leave your guard one-on-one with (McNeill), he can create issues as far as the interior push,”* Sheppard said.
Coming back from an ACL injury that sidelined him since December, McNeill looks to have lost zero steps. He has been creating havoc on the inside, forcing quarterbacks out of the pocket and into the hands of sack specialists like Aidan Hutchinson, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Derrick Barnes.
While McNeill has been an elite run-stopper throughout his career, the Lions allowed a season-high 142 rushing yards against the Vikings last Sunday, suggesting room for improvement in that department.
The Commanders’ rushing attack ranks fourth in the NFL, averaging 139.9 yards per game, behind rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round pick. If the Lions’ defense can rally around McNeill’s presence, they could significantly disrupt Washington’s ground game.
#### QB Jared Goff vs. LB Bobby Wagner
This matchup highlights Bobby Wagner, the last active member of Seattle’s legendary “Legion of Boom.” Now in his 14th NFL season, Wagner ranks third in the league in total tackles this year (90) and leads Washington’s defense.
A 10-time Pro Bowler at 35 years old, Wagner remains a dominant force. As the NFL’s active career tackles leader, he will be a constant challenge for Lions quarterback Jared Goff.
For Goff to succeed in the passing game, he must find ways to keep Wagner out of plays—whether in the flat, along the sidelines, or over the middle of the field. Goff’s connections with tight end Sam LaPorta and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown downfield have been effective all season and will be crucial.
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### Scouting Report
#### Lions Offense vs. Commanders Defense
Lions offensive coordinator John Morton focused on one key element during his Thursday press conference: pass protection.
*”I can draw all these plays we want, (but) if you don’t have sound protection so the quarterback can throw the ball, it doesn’t matter,”* Morton emphasized.
Quarterback Jared Goff was sacked a season-high five times against the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday. A banged-up offensive line struggled against blitzes and the aggressive schemes of Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
The Commanders will benefit from the return of linebacker Frankie Luvu, who ranks second on their team with eight sacks in 2024. Luvu’s presence should help make Goff even more uncomfortable.
With guard Christian Mahogany out for the foreseeable future, the Lions’ interior offensive line may have a new look on Sunday. The difference between the Lions’ offense being on its heels or on its toes may hinge on interior protection. Without it, Detroit risks falling into a one-dimensional attack, as they did against Minnesota.
#### Lions Defense vs. Commanders Offense
Line play often determines the outcome of a game, and this contest will be no exception.
The Commanders boast a top-10 offensive line this season, led by five-time Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil, who is in his first season with Washington. This strong line play has propelled Washington to average 5.1 yards per rushing attempt—third-best in the NFL behind the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets.
Despite allowing 142 rushing yards to the Vikings last week, the Lions still maintain a top-10 rush defense by yards per game. Linebackers Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, and Alex Anzalone have been key contributors.
If the Lions can contain Washington’s run game, they can afford to rush just four defenders and focus on pressuring backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, who is filling in for the injured Jayden Daniels.
Although Daniels appears to have avoided a long-term absence and will not be placed on injured reserve, he will not participate in this game. Mariota presents a different playoff challenge. He releases the ball quickly and, while slower than in his Oregon days, remains elusive enough to extend plays with designed runs.
Though not Daniels, Mariota ranks among the most comfortable backup quarterbacks in the NFL.
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### Prediction
In an ideal world, this game would serve as redemption for the Lions after the Commanders ended their Super Bowl hopes in January. Alternatively, it could be a chance for Detroit to regain their offensive rhythm.
Neither scenario perfectly fits the current situation. However, a loss here could drop the Lions to 6-6 heading into December, facing tough matchups against the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers. Such a record might cause fans to question the viability of playoff aspirations and the status of this seemingly Super Bowl-ready roster.
While not exactly a must-win, this game feels just a step below that for Detroit. The Lions have a stronger roster, a more reliable quarterback, and ample motivation to respond to the Commanders, who shocked them last season.
Washington’s running game and Mariota will keep the contest close, but Detroit is expected to maintain the lead throughout and ultimately secure the victory.
**Final Score Prediction:** Lions 28, Commanders 24
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*You can reach Christian at [email protected].*
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/11/09/lions-vs-commanders-scouting-report-prediction-nfl-week-10-game/87127770007/
