Detroit Lions picks, predictions vs Washington Commanders for NFL Week 10: Playoff rematch!
Tom Brady greets Kelvin Sheppard ahead of Lions-Vikings game
Former Michigan football quarterback and Fox sports announcer Tom Brady greets Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard ahead of the Lions game at Ford Field on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.
It’s a game that was circled on the NFL calendar right from its release, and while it might have a little less luster now, you can bet at least one of the teams isn’t looking past it.
After a 295 day wait, the Detroit Lions finally get their opportunity for revenge against the Washington Commanders, who shockingly knocked them out of the playoffs in the NFC divisional round last year.
And as if the Lions didn’t have enough reason to get up for this game, they’re also coming off one of their worst performances of the past three seasons, losing 27-24 to the Minnesota Vikings. It feels like a game ripe for a big performance.
Unfortunately, this year’s game won’t have one of the key players from last year’s upset, as Commanders star quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a gnarly-looking elbow injury in Week 9 and will be out for a while.
So how will the Commanders fare with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota against a fired up Lions squad? Six Free Press sports writers have some thoughts.
Dave Birkett
The Lions played their worst all-around game of the season last week against the Vikings, but this is the perfect spot for a rebound. They haven’t lost back-to-back games in more than three years. They’re playing a team down its starting quarterback and with a feeble pass rush. And they’ll have revenge on their mind given what Washington did to them in the playoffs in January. I see a big game for Jahmyr Gibbs and I see the Lions’ deep passing game getting back on track. The pick: Lions 31, Commanders 20.
Carlos Monarrez
What was supposed to be a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s divisional playoff game in Ford Field now feels like a sad exercise between one team that remains a Super Bowl hopeful and another that just lost its quarterback and its season. I’m sure the Lions wish Jayden Daniels a quick recovery. But with Daniels out, the Lions have no excuse to do anything but annihilate the 3-6 Commanders, who were already reeling even before Daniels got hurt. The pick: Lions 35, Commanders 17.
Christian Romo
The Lions have a better roster, a better quarterback and plenty of motivation to push around a Commanders team that shocked them into an early playoff exit. Marcus Mariota and the Washington run game will keep this close, but the Lions will lead throughout and hold on for a win. The pick: Lions 28, Commanders 24.
Rainer Sabin
The Lions’ offense has regressed over the last three games, averaging 21.7 points. Now, there are growing concerns about the offensive line after the Minnesota Vikings repeatedly pressured Jared Goff and starting left guard Christian Mahogany broke a bone in his left leg last Sunday. But Detroit still has plenty of firepower. Washington does not after it was hit hard by a rash of injuries, including a dislocated non-throwing elbow that has knocked out quarterback Jayden Daniels for a few weeks. Detroit should be able to shut down the ailing 3-6 Commanders, who look nothing like the team that stormed into Ford Field and shocked the top-seeded Lions in the divisional round last January. The pick: Lions 24, Commanders 16.
Jeff Seidel
It’s not always who you play in the NFL. It’s when you play them. And the Lions have the fortunate timing of playing Washington when Jayden Daniels is out. Now, nobody roots for anybody to get hurt. But it’s certainly a benefit for the Lions, who will bounce back with a clean win. The pick: Lions 28, Commanders 23.
Shawn Windsor
It won’t be easy with this Washington defensive front and this uncertain Lions offensive front. But it’ll look better than it did against Minnesota. It has to. As for revenge? Dan Campbell promises his team isn’t worried about that. He — and his team — just want a win. Need a win. They’ll get one and quiet the bubbling concern, at least for a week. The pick: Lions 27, Commanders 13.
