Bold Predictions For Washington Redskins vs. Detroit Lions NFL Week 7
Oct 16, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones (31) carries the ball for a touchdown as Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Stephen Tulloch (50) chases in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Redskins are traveling to Detroit to take on the Lions this week. Here is a look at some bold predictions for the game.
The Washington Redskins are just a day away from a Week 7 battle against the Detroit Lions. The two teams have pretty solid records coming into this game, with the Redskins checking in at 4-2 and the Lions coming in at 3-3. The upcoming week could be critical to the continued success of both teams. They are both looking to be wild card contenders, and this contest could end up being a decisive one down the line.
With all of that in mind, it is certain that both teams will put forth their best effort in this contest. They each need to keep pace in their respective divisions. Because of this, we will see some strong performances from players in what I expect to be an offensive battle. Here is a look at some bold predictions for what will happen in this game.
Oct 16, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Vernon Davis (85) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
5. Vernon Davis Records 75+ Yards, 1 Touchdown
The Washington Redskins are officially going to be without tight end Jordan Reed once again this Sunday. As a result, veteran Vernon Davis will make his second straight start at the position. Last week, Davis caught two passes and turned them into 50 yards and a touchdown. This week, I think he will be able to do even better.
The Lions have a fairly weak defense, and they will be without some of their top talent this week. Among those players missing will be stud linebacker DeAndre Levy. Because of his absence, Davis will have some favorable matchups against the linebackers. He should be able to beat them with his speed. If he can get open over the middle a few times, Kirk Cousins will definitely look to connect with him.
When Davis goes against the safeties, his matchups may not be as favorable. Glover Quin may be able to keep pace with him. Still, given the amount of weaponry that the Washington offensive attack possesses, it is going to be difficult to corral Davis on every play. For that reason, I think he will come close to the 100 yard mark. He should be able to record another touchdown as well, given that he will be a quality red zone weapon.
Oct 16, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) runs after a catch as Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nolan Carroll II (22) defends during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
4. Pierre Garcon Totals 100+ Receiving Yards
Staying in the receiving corps, Pierre Garcon looks to be due for another big game. The veteran wide-out has played well as of late, and he should continue to have success on Sunday.
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The top receiving option for the Redskins offense is normally DeSean Jackson. However, Jackson is in a bit of a funk and he is going to be going against stud corner Darius Slay during this contest. He could be shut down as a result.
Meanwhile, Garcon figures to primarily matchup against Detroit’s No. 2 corner, Nevin Lawson. Lawson has had some serious issues in pass coverage this year, so Garcon should stand to benefit. It should not be surprising to see him get open early and often. If that happens, then Cousins will be ready to look his way frequently. After all, Garcon is a very reliable target.
When it is all said and done, Garcon may be able to put up some huge numbers. It would not surprise me if he reaches triple digits in terms of his receiving yards.
Oct 16, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) rolls out as Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Vinny Curry (75) defends during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
3. Kirk Cousins Throws For 300+ Yards, 2 Touchdowns
The Lions defense is really not looking strong heading into the seventh game of the season. They have struggled to contain some lesser quarterbacks, like Case Keenum, so Kirk Cousins should have a field day against this unit.
Cousins has really picked up his play since a poor start the season. While he has made some critical mistakes at times, he has done enough to propel the Redskins to the four game win streak they are on. Against the Lions, he should be able to be surgical in the way that he picks apart the defense.
The Lions do not have many solid cover guys outside of Slay. For this reason, they rank in the bottom 10 in terms of pass defense in the NFL. Because of the Redskins elite receiving corps, the team is going to be able to create favorable matchups and exploit the ones that will reap the most benefits. Cousins will be tasked with finding these, and he should succeed.
Cousins should break the 300 yard mark in this game without a doubt. Adding two touchdowns is likely for the veteran as well. He should be able to lead the offensive attack to some success in Detroit.
Oct 9, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) defended by Washington Redskins Josh Norman cornerback (24) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
2. Josh Norman Holds Marvin Jones To Under 25 Receiving Yards
Josh Norman has been absolutely stellar to start the 2016 NFL campaign. Since coming over from the Panthers, Norman has helped lead the Redskins to their 4-2 record. Meanwhile, the Panthers have sputtered to a shocking 1-5 record without him. Needless to say, he has been a key cog in all the defenses he plays in.
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On Sunday, Norman is probably going to matchup against the Lions’ top receiver, as he has been doing since the third week of the season. That receiver will be Marvin Jones. Jones has been a solid, steady player since signing a big contract to join the Lions in the offseason. He has thrived as the No. 1 option, and the Bengals look foolish for letting him walk.
However, Jones’ success story could be put on hold this week. Norman is going to be able to shut down Jones. Jones simply does not have enough experience going up against top cornerbacks like Norman and will struggle as a result. Matthew Stafford will look elsewhere, and that will severely limit Jones’ opportunities.
Norman probably will hold Jones to under 25 yards. It is likely that he will get a couple of catches, but the elite corner will make sure that Jones does not do too much damage throughout the contest. That will significantly improve the Redskins chances of winning in this game.
Oct 16, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones (31) carries the ball past Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks (95) in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
1. Matt Jones Runs For 125+ Yards, 2 Touchdowns
Matt Jones appears to be hitting his stride. Against the Philadelphia Eagles last week, he had one of the best performances of his career. He looks to be running with a combination of speed and power, and he could be hard to stop moving forward. The Lions will certainly have trouble containing him.
The Lions lack talent at the defensive tackle position. Their best player is the declining Haloti Ngata who is out for this game due to an injury. Jones should be able to run over the replacements with ease, and he could take a lot of pressure off of Cousins because of that.
Jones is going to be able to gash the Lions, plain and simple. I think he will end up being one of the best performers in the game, and going over 100 yards seems likely for the young back. He should be able to post a couple of touchdowns as well. This game could really represent Jones’ coming out party, and give him some serious momentum as the season rolls onward.