Washington Commanders

Redskins at Lions: Game preview, odds, prediction

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Detroit Lions will host the Washington Redskins in NFL Week 7 action.

The 4-2 Washington Redskins will look to keep pace with the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East, as they travel to take on the 3-3 Detroit Lions in Week 7. Neither of these teams are real Super Bowl contenders, but both have a strong chance to reach the post season.

After starting the season 0-2, the Redskins have reeled off four consecutive victories. While there are undoubtedly many questions surrounding this team, they have a strong talent base to build around.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins is far from perfect, but he is getting the job done for Washington. Cousins has made crippling mistakes in the red zone at times this season, but he has been better in recent weeks.

Cousins has completed 65 percent of his passes this season for 1,695 yards and nine touchdowns to six interceptions. He is far from an elite-level NFL quarterback, but he certainly has the ability to make plays.

On top of Cousins’ recent success, the Redskins have gotten great play out of running back Matt Jones. Washington is continually feeding Jones in the rushing attack and have played much better since giving him a larger role in the offense.

Cousins, Jones and the Redskins’ offense could have a big day against a Lions’ defense that has struggled this season. If tight end Jordan Reed can suit up this week (he is recovering from a concussion), the Lions may not have a chance to stop the Redskins’ offense.

Offensively, the Lions have some nice players as well. Matthew Stafford is an inconsistent passer, but he has played well more often than not this season. The Lions have not shown much of a rushing attack, but Stafford has been able to lead them to offensive success.

Marvin Jones has been great this season and he will undoubtedly play a major role in this game. Fellow receiver Anquan Boldin has been great for the Lions this season as well, and Golden Tate exploded with an eight-reception, 165-yard and two touchdown performance last week.

With Jones, Boldin and Tate at his disposal, Stafford could have a great game against the Redskins. Washington cornerback Josh Norman will likely line up on Jones for a majority of this game, but they will likely have a tough time defending everybody.

Odds

Line: DET -1

Over/Under: 48.5

These appear to be two evenly matched teams. The Redskins have been a bit better and are certainly the hotter squad, but the Lions are at home. This game being a pick ’em is not much of a surprise here. Neither is the relatively high over/under total.

Prediction

Both of these defensive units are below average at best. I fully expect the offenses to control this game and for it go down to the wire. I could see this game going either way.

However, I see Jones and the Redskins’ rushing attack being the difference in this game. They should be able to control the clock, and as long as Cousins does not make many major mistakes, I see them coming out on top.

Two poor defenses and two inconsistent, but potentially dynamic quarterbacks. This one could be a lot of fun.

Pick: Washington Redskins 31, Detroit Lions 28

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