By Moses Joshua 
Washington looks to shock the NFC North leaders despite mounting injuries and adversity
The Washington Commanders enter Week 10 in a difficult position — a four-game skid has dropped them to 3–6, and now they face one of the NFL’s most dynamic teams in the Detroit Lions. To make matters worse, they’ll have to do it without their rookie sensation, quarterback Jayden Daniels, who remains sidelined after dislocating his elbow in Week 9.
That means Marcus Mariota will step back under center, tasked with leading a battered Washington offense into one of its toughest challenges yet. The odds are long, but the NFL has a way of surprising us — and this matchup could be no different.
Here are three fearless predictions for the Commanders’ pivotal Week 10 clash with Detroit.
Jaylin Lane Delivers a Breakout Performance
With Luke McCaffrey lost for the season due to a broken collarbone, rookie receiver Jaylin Lane suddenly steps into the spotlight. The fourth-round pick has endured his share of rookie growing pains — dropped passes, occasional fumbles, and uneven usage — but there have also been glimpses of genuine playmaking potential.
Mariota’s ability to spread the ball around could unlock Lane’s best game yet. Expect Washington to lean on shorter routes and quick passes to counter Detroit’s pass rush, giving Lane ample opportunities in space.
He’s yet to post more than three receptions or 60 yards in a game, but this week could be his turning point. Don’t be surprised if Lane sets new career highs and perhaps even finds the end zone for the first time this season.
Dan Quinn Matches Dan Campbell’s Grit
Both head coaches share more than just their first name — Dan Quinn and Dan Campbell are aggressive, emotional leaders who trust their teams to convert on fourth downs. In fact, Washington set a Super Bowl-era record last season by converting 20-of-23 fourth-down attempts during the regular season, even outpacing Campbell’s famously fearless approach.
This season, the perception has been that Quinn’s Commanders are less aggressive. That’s not true — they’ve simply been less successful. Expect Quinn to dial the intensity back up in this one, especially in short-yardage situations.
Facing a Lions team that thrives on momentum and energy, Washington will need to respond in kind. If Campbell rolls the dice, Quinn will too — and the sideline chess match between these two fiery coaches could end up being one of Sunday’s best storylines.
Commanders Keep It Close, But Fall Just Short
This matchup feels like it could go one of two ways: Detroit exacts revenge and dominates wire to wire, or Washington hangs around long enough to make things interesting. The latter feels more likely.
With defensive assistant Joe Whitt Jr. moving to the sideline to help steady the defense, expect the Commanders to play with renewed focus and energy. The Lions, meanwhile, could hurt themselves with a few overly ambitious fourth-down calls — something Campbell has been known to do when pushing the envelope.
Still, talent often wins out, and the Lions’ offensive depth and quarterback Jared Goff’s efficiency should eventually prove too much for a Commanders team still searching for rhythm.
Final Prediction: Lions 27, Commanders 21