Week 10 of the NFL season is here, and playoff scenarios across the league are starting to take shape. The Washington Football Team (2-6) will travel to the “Motor City” to take on the Detroit Lions (3-5) with division-winning aspirations despite losing a critical NFC East contest last weekend against the New York Giants.
Washington lost more than the game against the Giants. The team also watched as starting quarterback Kyle Allen endured a season-ending ankle dislocation that required surgery. Ironically, signal-caller Alex Smith, who withstood his leg injury, will take the wheel in Allen’s place and try to navigate Washington into the postseason.
There is still optimism in Ashburn, Virginia, that Washington can put together a complete game or two to catapult themselves to the top of the division even though that feat has yet to happen. Washington has yet to win consecutive games this season and will need to do so now against teams with losing records over the next couple of weeks.
Despite losing last week against the Giants, Washington still has a 2-2 record within the division. Their two losses are both against New York, who now possess all tie-breaker options over Washington should the division race come down to the two teams.
Washington’s won two more games within the division than they did last season when they lost all six of their NFC East contest. The Burgundy and Gold have wins over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1 and an impressive throttling of the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7.
Smith played well in his second game in which he relieved Allen due to injuries. The 16-year veteran did throw two late-game interceptions and three overall on the game, but he also produced 325 yards passing and a touchdown. The 36-year old should benefit from prepping as the starter for this week’s game from the outset of the week.
Washington’s No. 3 ranked defense will have to play better than they did last week if the Burgundy and Gold are to secure a win. The Giants were able to produce 166 rushing yards between Wayne Gallman and Alfred Morris. Against the Lions, Washington will face a Lions rushing attack that is dangerous and comprised of former Washington back Adrian Peterson.
Coach Ron Rivera discussed if a week of practice as the starter will help Smith with reporters during one of his Zoom press conferences this week.
“Let’s really look at how he played. To me, the common consensus is he played pretty well with the exception of the last two interceptions,” Rivera said. “Those were plays that he tried to force as opposed to trying to take what he would’ve gotten if they had been normal downs. Again, he played pretty doggone well. Now, I think knowing the practice reps that he’s going to get, knowing the opportunity to not just look at it on paper—look at it on film—and to get the practice reps, yeah, the common consensus is, he should play better. But, how much better going forward? Again, over 200 yards of passing offense, two touchdown passes, I believe. I’m not sure if judging him on those last two interceptions was fair.”
Sunday’s game marks the 46th time in franchise history the two teams will play each other. Washington leads the all-time series, which dates back to 1932, 31-14-0. Washington leads the all-time regular-season series, 28-14-0.
In the team’s last meeting on November 24, 2019, in Landover, Maryland, Washington defeated Detroit 19-16.
Life has not been kind to Washington on the road against the Lions, however. They are 9-11 on the road against Detroit and will attempt to win just their first road game against the Lions since October 26, 2008.
What would a win over the Lions do for the Washington Football Team from a statistical and historical standpoint?
A win would give Washington their first back-to-back victories over the Lions since the 2007-08 seasons.
A “W” marks Washington’s first road victory against the Lions since 2008.
A win would improve Washington’s all-time record against Detroit to 32- 14-0.
Finally, leaving Ford Field with a win would improve Washington’s Week 10 record to 33-42-1.