Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions Picks and Prediction for Saturday, August 22, 2026

By: David Anicetti Published 08/18/2026, 11:45 PM ET

The Washington Commanders visit the Detroit Lions on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. ET at Ford Field for the second preseason game for both teams. Washington is 1-0 after beating Miami 20-7 in its opener, while Detroit is 0-1 following a 16-14 road loss to Cincinnati. The Lions are 4.5-point home favorites after opening at -2.5, while the total has moved from 36.5 to 37.5. With both teams expected to continue evaluating their depth, the later stages could again decide the outcome. Build your bankroll with our free NFL picks.

Washington Commanders Preview

Washington controlled the second half against Miami despite holding Jayden Daniels and more than two dozen other healthy players out of the opener. Marcus Mariota started but suffered a non-contact leg injury after only four plays. Sam Hartman replaced him and completed 8 of 15 passes for 80 yards with one interception. The Commanders found their best production on the ground, with Kaytron Allen rushing for 85 yards and a touchdown and Robert Henry Jr. adding 75 yards and a score. That rushing depth should remain important against Detroit.

The defense also produced a strong opening performance despite resting most of its starters. Washington held Miami to seven points and created multiple takeaways, including Quan Martin's interception. The Commanders entered camp looking for improvement under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones after finishing last season near the bottom of the league in several defensive categories. Another extended look at the reserves should help determine roles within a rebuilt linebacker group and secondary.

Injuries: Tress Way (NFI-A, pectoral). Nick Allegretti, John Bates, Byron Cowart and Max Scharping are questionable.

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Detroit Lions Preview

Detroit rested most of its established starters against Cincinnati, including Jared Goff and Jahmyr Gibbs. Undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer received most of the quarterback work and completed 13 of 22 passes for 130 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Newly signed veteran Joshua Dobbs completed 4 of 8 passes for 32 yards while leading two field-goal drives. Altmyer did respond late with an 80-yard touchdown drive, connecting with Tarik Black for a 24-yard score before running in the two-point conversion.

Detroit's defense kept the Lions competitive by allowing only one touchdown, but turnovers repeatedly put the unit in difficult situations. The Lions committed three giveaways, including two Altmyer interceptions and a botched handoff. First-round offensive tackle Blake Miller played 33 snaps as Detroit continues evaluating its rebuilt offensive line, while several defensive and secondary positions remain open competitions. Cleaning up those mistakes should be a priority in the home opener.

Injuries: Brian Branch (PUP-P, Achilles), Kerby Joseph (PUP-P, knee). Sione Vaki, Dan Jackson and Thomas Harper are questionable.

Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions Prediction

Washington's rushing depth was impressive against Miami, but the uncertainty created by Mariota's injury could put more responsibility on Hartman and the remaining quarterbacks. Detroit showed some late offensive life behind Altmyer despite his turnovers, and Dobbs gives the Lions an experienced option after joining the roster shortly before the opener. Detroit also held Cincinnati to one touchdown despite repeatedly defending short fields. Playing at Ford Field and having another week to settle its backup quarterback rotation gives Detroit an advantage in a game likely decided by reserves. Final Score Prediction: Detroit Lions win and cover ATS 23-17.