Quarterbacks the Story as Washington Visits Detroit

Alex Smith will start under center for Washington (2-6 SU, 4-4 ATS) for the first time since breaking his leg two years ago. He and Washington look to boost their flickering NFC East title hopes with a win over the struggling Lions (3-5, 3-5), whose QB Matthew Stafford suffered a suspected concussion last week.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

At the time of writing, Stafford’s uncertain status had caused most sportsbooks to pull this game off the board. The Detroit QB passed the NFL’s concussion protocol on Monday.

Washington News & Notes

Smith is making his first start since breaking the tibia and fibula in his right leg nearly two years ago, but he has seen action in a couple of relief appearances this year. In fact, Smith threw for 325 yards and a touchdown last week after starter Kyle Allen suffered a potentially season-ending ankle injury.

However, Smith also threw three interceptions as Washington couldn’t overcome a 5-0 turnover differential in a 23-20 loss to the Giants. The veteran also didn’t get much help from Washington’s 29th-ranked running game, which gained just 37 yards on the ground.

It all sets up for Washington to play another low-scoring contest on the road, where the team has gone UNDER the total in seven of its last 10 games. Washington’s defense continues to hold up its end of the bargain this season, recording five sacks and allowing just 212 yards through the air against the Giants last week to maintain its top ranking against the pass. Washington has also gone UNDER in four of its last five games against NFC opponents.

Detroit News & Notes

With their playoff hopes all but dead, Stafford potentially out and head coach Matt Patricia under fire, it’s tough to imagine a fired-up Lions squad taking the field in this one. Detroit looked lifeless defensively in last week’s 34-20 loss at Minnesota, allowing the Vikings to easily march down the field for touchdowns on their first two possessions and surrendering 206 rushing yards to Dalvin Cook.

The defeat dropped Patricia’s record in Detroit to 12-27-1, fueling speculation that he’ll be the next head coach to join the unemployment line. Lions bettors aren’t too happy with Patricia, either, as his team has covered just five of its last 19 outings overall and only two of its last nine at home.

Even if Stafford does suit up against Washington, he’ll likely have missed practice for a second consecutive week. Stafford didn’t practice prior to the game against Minnesota after being in close contact with someone who had COVID-19, and the NFL’s concussion protocols could keep him out of practice this week as well.

If Stafford can’t play, journeyman Chase Daniel will likely take his place. Daniel threw a touchdown and a pick last week in relief of Stafford, completing eight of 13 passes for 94 yards.

Betting Pick: UNDER 46.5

Whether Stafford plays or not, there’s little reason to expect many explosive plays between these two mediocre offenses. Look for Washington and Detroit to go UNDER for the ninth time in the last 11 meetings.