The redskins are going into Detroit facing a yet again struggling lions team as they have the past few seasons. The difference is just like the redskins have gotten a new "face lift" the lions have also continued to improve on both sides of the ball. Let's not forget last year, it seemed like the lions hadn't won a game since the days Barry Sanders was in the backfield yet they beat a redskins team that took them for granted. Then rookie QB, Stafford had a field day with the redskins defense keeping them on the field for the majority of the game wearing them down and squeaking out the win. Stafford has been out since week 1 with a shoulder injury making his return this week to face the redskins, coaches say he's as close to 100% as possible. He's shown to have developed great chemistry with Megatron aka Calvin Johnson, possibly a top 5 WR in the league. I believe Stafford's going to be a bit rusty not having played in 7 weeks so the redskins should have an opportunity to create turnovers as Stafford settles in throughout the game. They seemed to keep Cutler completely out of rhythm last week, look for Haslett to run different looks allowing the defense to make plays. The redskins cannot give Stafford time in the pocket, he's shown to be able to make plays through the air as well as on his feet. The Redskins defense also needs to pay attention to Javid Best, he's shown to be a big playmaker any time he touches the ball. What makes Best a bigger threat is not only his ability to run through through tackles but also the ability to catch the ball in the open field and taking it for a big run, he's like a Wesbtrook…dangerous in every way. The Redskins defense comes off one of their best performances this season, DeAngelo Hall who was named NFC defensive player of the week had 4 interceptions, taking one of them back for a TD. London Fletcher continues to provide the leadership at the linebacker position making sure everyone's in the right place. Laron Landry keeps proving every week why he's going to Hawaii in a few months, he's everywhere you want him to be laying the hit stick. If the redskins can make the lions one dimensional, either take away the passing game or the running game then it's going to be a long day for the lions. The skins offense hopes to get into a rhythm this week. McNabb's coming off one his worst performances this year hoping to get the offense settled in quickly and on the scoreboard. The offensive line has another test ahead of them this week going up against Julius Peppers and second overall pick, Ndamukong Suh. Suh will be matched up against Artis Hicks. A few weeks ago Suh tipped a pass at the line of scrimmage, caught it and ran it back for a 20 yd touchdown. If anyone watched Sports Science when they had Suh on, you know how big of a threat this guy is. Hick's is definitely going to have his hands full, look for Center Casey Raback to lend Hicks a hand in controlling Suh. Ryan Torain is looking to get his third 100 yd game going up against the 25th ranked run defense in the league. A.T.V (All Torain Vehicle) is running like a mad man running through tackels, getting to the open space and making big plays. Santana Moss and Chris Cooley are making plays when they need to, a little more consistency would be nice as well as getting Armstrong involved in the game but he's gotta make those catches when the ball's thrown his way. If the redskins capitalize on the lions mistakes, don't turn the ball over and establish some kind of running game then the defense should be able to take care of business leading the redskins to a 5-3 record going into the bye. It will be a close game like last year, special teams should have a big outcome on this game. Shanahan was full of praises when asked about Gano's performance, Gano has shown control…he just needs to be more consistent. This weekend's game is on his side, playing in a dome not having to worry about wind. My prediction is Redskins 30…Lions 21
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