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looking for the 2013 Week 3 game between these teams, please go here: Detroit
Lions vs. Washington Redskins Pick.
Washington Redskins (1-1 1-1 ATS) vs. Detroit Lions (0-2 0-2 ATS) Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan 1 PM ET, September 27, 2009 on FOX
By Jason Green of Predictem.com
Point Spread: Redskins -6.5 / Lions +6.5
Over/Under: 38.5
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Week 3 sends the Washington Redskins to Motor City USA to play the winless Detroit Lions. The Lions have not won a game since 2 seasons ago, but they may get a chance in this game against a Redskins team that is struggling on offense. Last week the Redskins could only muster 3 field goals in a 9-7 win over the St. Louis Rams, which is the first time that Washington had won a game scoring less than 10 points since the first game of the 2005 season. Last week the Lions lost to the Minnesota Vikings 27-13.
In the Redskins win over the St. Louis, they out-gained the Rams in total yardage (362 to 245) and won the battle of time of possession (34:53 to 25:07), but their inability to score TD’s in the red zone almost did them in. Luckily they recovered a fumble deep in their own territory and then pinned the Rams deep late in the game, which did not give St. Louis a chance to come back since they were out of time outs. The Redskins did not come close to covering the 9.5-point spread and the total of 37 was far from being reached since there was only 16 points scored in the game.
The Lions actually had the exact same amount of total yards (265) as the Vikings in their loss, but the 3 turnovers they had killed them. Rookie QB Matt Stafford showed his inexperience, by throwing 2 INT’s in the game. The Lions were underdogs by 10 points, but could not cover the spread losing by 14 points. The 45.5 point total was not reached in the game, as the two teams combined to score 40 points.
In this game the Lions look to avoid setting the record for the NFL’s 2nd longest losing streak.
Matt Stafford (357 yds 1 TD 5 INT) has to cut down on his INT’s or the Lions will be in trouble. Stafford also has to find his main target WR Calvin Johnson (8 rec 141 yds 1 TD) early and often, as Johnson has become Detroit’s big weapon on offense.
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The Lions may have to run the ball more in this game, as while the Redskins have a solid pass defense only allowing 183.5 yards through the air they are giving up an average of 114.5 yards on the ground. RB Kevin Smith (103 yds 1 TD) has to pick up some yards on offense, which will help the Lions control the clock. Even though Johnson will be facing a Redskins team that is struggling to stop the run he is only averaging 2.6 yards per carry.
The big key for the Redskins in this game is if Clinton Portis (141 yds) can move the chains on the ground. The Lions are giving up an average of 134.5 rushing yards per game, however the Skins have some injury issues on their front line.
Jason Campbell (453 yds 1 TD 1 INT) has been decent this season at managing the game, but he may be in trouble if the Lions take the lead, as he has not proven he is a QB that can lead his team back with his arm. At least Campbell will be facing a Lions’ secondary that is giving up an average of 255.5 yards through their air in their first 2 games.
The Skins need to step it up and get some TD’s in the red zone, as they cannot keep settling for field goals when they get deep in their opponents territory. Last week against the Rams the Redskins had 4 drives inside the 10-yard line, but they failed to score a TD in any of them.
The team that can avoid the turnovers on offense has a great chance to win this game.
Jason’s Pick: Detroit still may not pick up that first win (their chances are as good as any this week though) but they’ll still cover and get the money which is all we care about!
