Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Preview (9/18/22): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Chart

The Washington Commanders take a trip to Detroit this week after coming back to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars in week one. The Commanders will compete with the Lions, who fell short of overcoming a 17 point deficit in a loss to the Eagles. Let’s take a closer look at the matchups, depth charts, and odds that will determine the winner of these NFC foes.

Washington Commanders Vs. Detroit Lions Betting Odds


Despite the Commanders opening win and the Lions falling short of coming back against the Eagles, the Lions open as 21.5 home favorites against the +2.5 Commanders. The over under line started at 46.5, but has since risen to 49.5, which reflects that these two teams were two of week 1‘s higher scoring teams.

Washington Commanders Vs. Detroit Lions Prediction

The Commanders came into this season with many questioning their quarterback situation with Carson Wentz taking over. Wentz, who has been surrounded with doubt after costing the Colts a playoff spot last season, played well and threw four touchdown passes. The Commanders skill players proved effective with their top three receivers all scoring touchdowns and running back Antonio Gibson contributing with over 120 scrimmage yards.

Meanwhile, the Lions have entered their second season under head coach Dan Campbell. Campbell and the Lions, who impressed with their passion on hard knocks and critical draft picks like DE Aidan Hutchinson and WR Jameson Williams, look to show this season that they can compete with other good teams. The Lions fell short in their opening game, but did not keep fighting until the last seconds. Despite many strong roster additions and an efficient running game led by D’Andre Swift, QB Jared Goff currently holds the Lions back from being true contenders.

Even with limitations at quarterback, look for the Lions to even out these two team’s records to 1-1. Both teams should be competitive, but the Lions should be extra hungry for the win.

Betting Trends

  • Commanders are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.
  • Lions are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a home underdog.

Key Injuries

Washington Commanders Injuries: Jonathan Allen (Groin) Q, Cole Turner (Hamstring) Q, Kamren Curl (Thumb) Q, Keith Ismael (Concussion) Q, Wes Schweitzer (Hamstring) Q, Bunmi Rotimi (Foot) Q
Detroit Lions Injuries: Julian Okwara (Hamstring) Q, Tommy Kraemer (Guard) Q, Ifeatu Melifonwu (Hamstring) Q, Jameson Williams (ACL) Q

Key Matchups

Check out the key matchups and mismatches for Commanders vs Lions below.

The Lions Offensive Line vs the Commanders Defensive Front

Though the Washington defensive front did not dominate the whole game versus the Jaguars, they came through in the most crucial part of the game during the fourth quarter. Duron Payne sacked Trevor Lawrence on 3rd and 4 which kept the Jaguars from field goal range and the Washington front also brought pressure on the Jags’ last drive, causing Lawrence to throw an interception.

On the other hand, the Lions have one of the better offensive lines, which will be counted on not only to protect QB Jared Goff, but block for RB’s Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift. Though the Lions fell short to the Eagles, the Lions running backs played well with Swift running for 144 yards at 9.6 yards per carry and Williams having two rushing touchdowns.

Whichever team can win in the trenches will help their playmakers succeed, as well as make life more miserable for the other team.

Commanders Receivers vs Lions Secondary

If the Lions want a better chance at snagging the win, their secondary needs to perform well against the Commanders receiving corps. The Lions struggled time this past weekend stopping Eagles star wide receiver AJ Brown, who went off for 155 yards on 10 catches.

While no one on the Commanders went over 100 yards in their matchup versus the Jaguars, Carson Wentz still threw touchdowns to three different receivers in Scary Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel. Rookie Jahan Dotson particularly shined with two touchdown receptions including this 24 yard touchdown catch.

The Lions secondary, which is ranked as one of the worst in the league, will have to play a great game to keep up with the Commanders weapons. The Commanders demonstrated last Sunday they can explode for both acrobatic and long touchdowns and the Lions cannot afford to give up those kinds of plays again.

Washington Commanders Depth Chart

QB: Carson Wentz
RB1: Antonio Gibson
RB2: J.D. McKissic
LWR: Terry McLaurin
RWR: Jahan Dotson
SWR: Curtis Samuel
TE1:Logan Thomas

Detroit Lions Depth Chart

QB: Jared Goff
RB1: D’Andre Swift
RB2: Jamaal Williams
LWR: D.J. Chark
RWR: Josh Reynolds
SWR: Amon-Ra St. Brown
TE1: T.J. Hockenson

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A UCLA graduate, Eva is an experienced football writer who specializes in NFL game analysis and weekly storylines. In her free time you can usually find her cheering on the 49ers or watching the latest Josh Allen highlight clip.

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