The Washington Commanders have lost four consecutive games to drop to 3-6 on the 2025 season, and this next contest won't be any easier.
They'll be facing the high-octane Detroit Lions, and they'll be doing it without Jayden Daniels under center. Even though Washington's franchise quarterback avoided a serious injury when he dislocated his elbow in Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks, he will be out for multiple weeks.
It's up to Marcus Mariota to rally the troops for the third time this year. There are a couple of different directions this one could go, so let's make some bold predictions.
Bold predictions for the Commanders in Week 10 against the Lions
Jaylin Lane has a breakout game
With Luke McCaffrey sidelined for the year with a broken collarbone, it's Jaylin Lane's time to shine. The Commanders' fourth-round rookie has gone through his struggles with drops and fumbles, but he's also been quietly carving out a weekly role in the offense. It'll become an even bigger one now.
Mariota can spread the ball around, and Lane will benefit greatly. Touchdowns are never predictable, but we'll go on record and say he sets new single-game highs in receptions (his best is three, twice) and receiving yards (60 against the Cowboys in Week 7).
Dan Quinn matches Dan Campbell's aggression, again
The Commanders' and Lions' head coaches have a lot in common. They have the same first name, both sport goatees, and both love to go for it on fourth down. Last year, Washington had thebest fourth-down conversion rate in Super Bowl-era history, going 20-of-23 during the regular season. Then, Quinn beat Campbell at his own game in the playoffs.
There's been a narrative that Quinn's Commanders haven't been as aggressive on fourth downs as they were in 2024. That is incorrect — they haven't been as successful. You know Campbell is going to go for it anytime the Lions are within a few yards on fourth down, and Washington will have to bring that same energy.
The Commanders lose, but not by much
It feels like there are two scenarios here. A Lions team out for revenge from last January will mercilessly run up the score on the helplessly reeling Commanders (remember what they did last year against the Cowboys, who they felt slighted by after a blown call cost them a win in 2023)? Or, Washington will find a way to hang around and somehow pull out one of the shock victories of the season.
Instead, though, we'll split the middle. Joe Whitt Jr.'s move to the sideline will provide at least a temporary boost for the struggling Commanders' defense, and the Lions will cost themselves in the field position game a few times trying to get too cute on fourth down. But ultimately, the team with the much better roster will find a way.
Final prediction: Lions 27, Commanders 21