By Sunday 
The Detroit Lions are heading into Week 10 with one thing on their mind — redemption. After a gut-wrenching loss to the Minnesota Vikings that shook up the NFC North standings, Dan Campbell’s squad now faces a Washington Commanders team spiraling fast.
Both teams are desperate, but the vibes couldn’t be more different. The Lions (5-3) are bruised but breathing — a playoff-caliber team with every reason to respond. Meanwhile, the Commanders (3-6) are hanging by a thread, riding a four-game losing streak and missing rookie QB Jayden Daniels, whose elbow injury leaves Marcus Mariota to face Detroit’s hungry defense.
If there’s one thing Campbell’s Lions have proven, it’s that they don’t stay down for long. Since 2022, Detroit hasn’t lost back-to-back games — a testament to Campbell’s gritty leadership and the locker room’s short memory. As MLive’s Ben Raven puts it, “Dan Campbell always seems to get more out of his team coming off a loss.”
And the national media agrees. From ESPN to USA Today, the picks are nearly unanimous — Lions across the board. Analysts expect Jared Goff to “light up” Washington’s battered defense while David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs pound the run game to set the tone early.
It’s not just another regular-season game; it’s a revenge mission. Last season’s playoff defeat to these same Commanders still stings, and this Sunday offers a perfect shot at payback — with playoff positioning on the line.
So, is it bounce-back or bust for Detroit? If Campbell’s crew comes out swinging like they usually do after a loss, the answer might come loud and clear — straight from the roar at FedEx Field.