When you merge the Washington Football Team (2-6) with the Detroit Lions (3-5), what is the outcome?
The lack of enthusiasm from bettors towards a football game is noticeable.
All other NFL Week 10 games have garnered more betting action and media attention, but Sunday’s clash (1 p.m., Fox) at Ford Field in Detroit is just around the corner.
However, it is important to note that while other football fans may not be interested in the Washington vs. Lions matchup, local football fans are thrilled about it. This is because Washington is only one win away from catching up to the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles, who currently have a record of 3-4-1. Additionally, Washington has upcoming games against the Cincinnati Bengals (2-5-1) and Dallas Cowboys (2-7), which provides them with a good opportunity to gain more wins. (Let’s temporarily disregard the challenging game against the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers that comes after these matchups.)
In summary, despite the odds, Washington’s chances of reaching the postseason are still miraculously alive. Nevertheless, they cannot afford to lose games against teams with a sub-.500 record, as they did last week against the New York Giants (2-7).
This implies that the upcoming game against Detroit is crucial for us to win, as they have been struggling with consecutive heavy defeats against the Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings.
Washington vs. Detroit Lions Total and Odds
The odds for Washington have remained consistent, with them being underdogs by 3.5 to 4.5 points, throughout the first half of the week. The betting activity has been relatively balanced, with similar amounts being wagered on both sides.
This season, Washington has a record of 4-4 against the spread (ATS), while Detroit has a record of 3-5.
The Lions are considered the favorites with a moneyline of approximately -190, while Washington has a comeback of +170.
The opening total was 46.5 and has since remained unchanged. Nevertheless, certain books have withdrawn over-under betting options because of uncertainties surrounding the weather (expected rain and high winds) and the condition of injured Lions receiver Kenny Golladay. Golladay’s impact on the total score is one of the reasons for this.
As we approach kickoff, the total could decrease due to the uncertainties surrounding the two starting quarterbacks.
WFT vs. Detroit Lions Breakdown
This week, it is expected that Alex Smith will resume his position as the quarterback for the WFT. After being benched earlier this season by head coach Ron Rivera, Dwayne Haskins Jr. made way for Kyle Allen. Unfortunately, Allen suffered a severe injury in the last game, prompting Smith’s return.
This is the clip displaying the dislocated ankle and fracture.
Smith has the opportunity to shine as Allen’s 2020 season is uncertain due to a pending surgery.
Having suffered a devastating leg injury, Smith, who was chosen as the top pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, was unable to play during the entire 2019 season. Now, at the age of 36, this opportunity might be his final and most promising shot at retaining a starting position.
Smith had a solid performance last week, completing 24 of 32 passes and earning one touchdown along with three interceptions. In the upcoming game against Detroit, it is anticipated that running back Antonio Gibson will have an increased workload. This is mainly due to the fact that the Lions have a weak defense against rushing, conceding an average of 148.1 yards per game, which ranks them as the third-worst in the NFL. To illustrate this vulnerability, it is worth noting that in their previous game, the Vikings’ Dalvin Cook managed to rush for an impressive 206 yards on 22 carries against the Lions.
Uncertainty surrounds the Lions regarding Matthew Stafford’s performance as the Detroit QB endured a potential concussion in their recent defeat against the Minnesota Vikings.
In the end, the outcome of this game may heavily rely on the Washington defense, which has managed to maintain an impressive fifth rank in the NFL. Surprisingly, they have limited opposing teams to a mere 314.3 yards per game.
Other Week 10 Games of Note to Virginia
Virginia football fans can look forward to an exciting lineup of games for their other beloved NFL teams in Week 10.
Baltimore Ravens (-7) at New England Patriots
Fortunately, the Baltimore Ravens (6-2) have chosen an opportune moment to embark on an away game against the struggling New England Patriots (3-5). As we approach Sunday Night Football (8:20 p.m., CBS), it is worth noting that the Patriots, without Tom Brady, have recently encountered a significant decline, accumulating a 1-4 losing streak. Their sole victory in this period was a narrow three-point win against the winless New York Jets.
In contrast, the Ravens have only suffered two defeats throughout the entire year – against the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs (8-1), and the undefeated Pittsburgh team (8-0). Recently, Ravens’ head coach John Harbaugh achieved a remarkable triumph against the Colts. The team’s dual-threat quarterback, Lamar Jackson, demonstrated exceptional efficiency in the game while exhibiting glimpses of his stellar performance that earned him the NFL MVP title in 2019.
Initially, Baltimore emerged as the preferred team with a 6.5-point advantage. Nevertheless, bettors heavily favor the Ravens, leading to a significant shift in their favor, now standing as 7-point favorites in most sportsbooks. However, as of Thursday morning, bookmakers have not yet provided a total due to the anticipated unfavorable weather conditions in Foxborough on Sunday night, including heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Tampa Bay at Carolina Panthers (+5.5)
The Carolina Panthers (3-6) are facing a crucial moment as they prepare to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3) this Sunday (1 p.m., Fox). With a four-game losing streak, the Panthers must put everything on the line to keep their playoff aspirations alive in this NFC South showdown.
Although the Panthers are not exactly having difficulty putting points on the board, with an average of 25.1 points per game, they have been facing challenges in preventing their opponents from scoring. This was evident in their devastating 33-31 loss to the Chiefs last week. In their upcoming game against the Bucs and Tom Brady, the Carolina defense will need to elevate their performance. The Bucs are undoubtedly motivated following their humiliating 38-3 defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night.
Carolina initially started the game as underdogs with a 6.5-point spread. However, due to public betting against the Bucs, the spread has decreased to 5.5 points. Additionally, the public’s preference for the over has caused the total points prediction to rise from 47 to 50.5 by Thursday morning.
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans (PK)
Thursday Night Football (8:20 p.m., Fox) will showcase a fierce competition for the AFC South title, as the Tennessee Titans (6-2) fight to maintain their division lead. The second-place Colts (5-3) will be visiting Nissan Stadium for this crucial match.
In order to secure a victory, the Titans’ offensive line needs to prioritize the protection of quarterback Ryan Tannehill, an area in which they encountered difficulties during their recent narrow triumph against the Chicago Bears.
The Indianapolis Colts have established themselves as one of the top defensive teams in the NFL. They excel in various aspects, including their ability to accumulate sacks, limit opponents’ passing yards, and restrict rushing yards. In particular, the Colts have consistently neutralized Derrick Henry, the running back for the Tennessee Titans, in their last twelve encounters. They have effectively prevented him from surpassing the 100-yard mark in five out of their previous six matchups.
The game initially began with Tennessee being favored by 1 point. However, as the week progressed, the line shifted from Tennessee -2.5 to +1. On the day of the game, most sportsbooks consider it an even match. Meanwhile, the total score expected has decreased from the initial 49 to the current 48.5. This change is due to the anticipated weather conditions in Nashville, where a cool and clear night with minimal wind is expected.
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