Brad Vipperman, NFC North Analyst 

Washington Redskins @ Detroit Lions

This is a huge game for both teams.  The Lions can smell blood after the Redskins failed to score a touchdown last week and barely escaped with a win over the St. Louis Rams.  Matthew Stafford has been going through the expected rookie growing pains but the offense shows promise.  The fact that he has been looking for stud receiver Calvin Johnson a lot is a sign of good things to come.  The defense just needs to learn how to put together two good halves of football if the Lions want to end this losing streak.

The Redskins come into this game with a lot of question marks, especially on the offensive line.  That unit, which was already razor-thin to start the season, suffered a huge blow last weekend when starting guard Randy Thomas was lost for the year with a triceps injury.  Also, coach Jim Zorn has taken a lot of flak for his play calling and decision making thus far.  A loss to the Lions would almost certainly cost him his job at the end of the season, if not sooner.  The Redskins really need to win this game.

Pick:  Redskins, 30-17

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