Although the Washington Commanders emerged with a Week 1 victory, there seems to be more excitement about the Detroit Lions heading into their Week 2 game. After being on Hard Knocks over the summer, the Lions put up 35 points in a loss to the Eagles.
Can their defense perform better against the Carson Wentz-led Commanders? Here’s our breakdown of the Commanders vs. Lions matchup, the key injuries, and predictions from our NFL staff.
Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions preview
Washington fans were treated to the full Carson Wentz experience in his first game with the team. On one hand, Wentz tossed four touchdowns and led the Commanders to a win against the Jaguars. On the other hand, he threw two second-half interceptions, including one to defensive lineman Travon Walker on an attempted screen.
Now, Wentz gets to face a Lions defense that couldn’t stop anything against the Eagles in Week 1. Washington’s WR duo of Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson should be able to put up yardage against Detroit’s overmatched secondary. Plus, the Commanders’ underrated offensive line should have its way with a Lions front seven that gave up 216 yards on the ground against Philadelphia.
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Speaking of offensive lines that don’t always get their due, Detroit’s front five paved the way for D’Andre Swift’s 144 rushing yards against an Eagles defensive line with more talent than Washington’s. But they may be without three of their presumed 2022 starting lineman — center Frank Ragnow (out), left guard Jonah Jackson (doubtful), and right guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai (injured reserve).
The Lions blitzed at the second-highest rate in the NFL in Week 1 (48.8%), but they only generated pressure at the 13th-highest rate (25.6%). Aidan Hutchinson and Co. need to get home more often, but that will be easier said than done against the Commanders, who allowed Carson Wentz to get pressured on just 8.9% of his dropbacks.
Commanders vs. Lions prediction
Betting line (courtesy of Caesars)
PICK; Commanders -110, Lions -110; O/U 48.5
Adam Beasley’s prediction
8-8-1 straight-up, 8-9 against the spread in 2022
Lions 24, Commanders 17
Dalton Miller’s prediction
9-7-1 straight-up, 8-9 against the spread in 2022
Lions 34, Commanders 31
Dallas Robinson’s prediction
9-7-1 straight-up, 6-11 against the spread in 2022
Commanders 20, Lions 17
How to watch Commanders vs. Lions
- Date/Time
Sunday, Sept. 18, 1 p.m. ET - Channel
FOX - Live Stream
Vidgo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV (some markets), fuboTV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, FOX Now
Commanders vs. Lions Matchup and Stats
The Lions and Commanders have met 46 times in a series that dates all the way back to 1932. Washington holds a significant 31-15 advantage in the all-time matchup, and they won 18 consecutive games between 1968 and 1995.
These two teams last played in Week 10 of the 2020 season, when Matthew Stafford and the Lions jumped out to a 24-3 lead. Alex Smith and Washington came storming back, but a 59-yard Matt Prater field goal won the game for Detroit as time expired.
Washington Commanders 2022 stats/rankings
- Scoring: 28.0 (fifth)
- Yards: 390.0 (10th)
- Yards per play: 5.6 (15th)
- Passing: 305.0 (fourth)
- Rushing: 85.0 (20th)
- Defensive scoring: 27.0 (27th)
- Yards allowed: 383.0 (20th)
- Yards per play allowed: 6.2 (25th)
- Pass defense: 260.0 (22nd)
- Rush defense: 123.0 (20th)
Detroit Lions 2022 stats/rankings
- Scoring: 35.0 (third)
- Yards: 386.0 (11th)
- Yards per play: 5.6 (11th)
- Passing: 205.0 (21st)
- Rushing: 181.0 (fifth)
- Defensive scoring: 38.0 (31st)
- Yards allowed: 455.0 (30th)
- Yards per play allowed: 6.3 (26th)
- Pass defense: 239.0 (19th)
- Rush defense: 216.0 (30th)
Injuries to know
- S Kam Curl (thumb, questionable)
- G Wes Schweitzer (hamstring, questionable)
- DT Phidarian Mathis (injured reserve)
- G Willie Beavers (injured reserve)
- TE Curtis Hodges (injured reserve)
- RB Brian Robinson (non-football injury list)
- DE Chase Young (physically unable to perform)
- C Tyler Larsen (physically unable to perform)
- C Frank Ragnow (groin, foot, out)
- G Jonah Jackson (finger, doubtful)
- RB D’Andre Swift (ankle, questionable)
- CB Amani Oruwariye (back, questionable)
- S Ifeatu Melifonwu (hamstring, questionable)
- G Halapoulivaati Vaitai (injured reserve)
- DL Levi Onwuzurike (injured reserve)
- WR Jameson Williams (non-football injury list)
- DL Romeo Okwara (physically unable to perform)
- DL Josh Paschal (physically unable to perform)
- FB Jason Cabinda (physically unable to perform)
- CB Jerry Jacobs (physically unable to perform)