Detroit Lions vs Washington Commanders

Detroit Lions vs Washington Commanders is a cross-division NFC test that could swing the conference picture. On paper this is about as lopsided as it gets: Detroit Lions at 70% to Washington Commanders's 30%, spread DET -2.5. The two sit close in the power rankings (#5 vs #9), so the lean toward Detroit Lions is more about matchup and form than reputation.

Tactically, Detroit Lions will want to lean on maulers up front to attack Washington Commanders, whose trench depth is the obvious pressure point. Going the other way, Washington Commanders's explosive plays could punish Detroit Lions if secondary depth goes unaddressed. Expect both staffs, Dan Campbell and Dan Quinn, to script around exactly that battle.

Keep an eye on Jared Goff (QB) and Jayden Daniels (QB): the two most likely to decide it with a single play. Lions get the home crowd, worth a few points of swing before kickoff.