Detroit Lions (0-1) vs. Washington Commanders (1-0)
August 22, 2026 12:00 pm EDT
The Line: Detroit Lions -1.5; Over/Under: 36.5
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In this article we will formulate a Lions vs Commanders prediction for this NFL game on Saturday, August 22nd at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this preseason matchup.
Detroit Lions Betting Preview
The Detroit Lions are 0-1 this preseason after they lost to the Bengals by a score of 16-14 last week. Detroit trailed 10-6 at halftime and they didn’t score any points in the second half until 1:28 left in the fourth for the loss. The Lions out gained Cincinnati by a total of 274-256, went 4-11 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 3-1 in the game. Luke Altmyer threw for 130 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while Joshua Dobbs threw for 32 yards. Jacob Saylors rushed eight times for 55 yards, while he caught three passes for 28 yards in the loss.
Last year, Detroit went 1-3 in the preseason, which was the worst in the NFC North. The Lions lost to the Chargers 34-7, defeated the Falcons 17-10, lost to the Dolphins 24-17, and lost to the Texans 26-7 in their four preseason games. Detroit won’t play Jared Goff once again and they will split reps between Altmyer and Dobbs, as they compete for the backup QB role.
Washington Commanders Betting Preview
The Washington Commanders are 1-0 this preseason after they defeated the Dolphins by a score of 20-7 in their last game. Washington trailed 7-0 after the first quarter, but they led 17-7 at halftime and added three points in the fourth quarter for the win. The Commanders out gained Miami by a total of 334-226, went 8-17 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a total of 3-1 in the game. Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 87 yards, while Sam Hartman threw for 80 yards and one interception. Kaytron Allen rushed 23 times for 85 yards and one score, while Jacoby Jones caught two passes for 33 yards in the game.
Last season, Washington went 0-3 in the preseason, which was last in the NFC East. The Commanders lost to the Patriots 48-18, lost to the Bengals 31-17, and lost to the Ravens 30-3 in their three preseason games. The Commanders haven’t said if Daniels will play in this one, but even if he does, it won’t be for very long. After that, we will see Kaliakmanis and Hartman once again.
Lions vs Commanders Prediction
Detroit struggled to get things going on offense in their first game against the Bengals, but they did score late, which might help get things going here. The Lions did play solid defense in that game, which helped keep it close. Washington beat up on Miami in their first game, but scored just three points in the second half. I don’t think we will see Daniels in this game, while I expect Dobbs and Altmyer to play better for Detroit. Take the Lions here.
