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Commanders vs. Lions Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for NFL Week 2 (Both Offenses Rock in Motor City)

By Ben Heisler

Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson celebrates one of his two touchdown receptions in Week 1 at home vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson celebrates one of his two touchdown receptions in Week 1 at home vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars. / Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
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Two of the top offenses in football match up in Week 2 when the Washington Commanders head to the Motor City to face the Detroit Lions.

That's right, the Commanders and Lions after one week currently own elite NFL offenses up near the top of the NFL charts. Just as we all predicted.

Washington came back from being down 22-14 with 11:45 left in the 4th quarter, to score 14 unanswered points to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 28-22. Carson Wentz tossed four touchdown passes, including two to rookie receiver Jahan Dotson. Meanwhile, the Lions almost made a shocking comeback of their own, nearly making it all the way back from a 38-21 deficit late in the third quarter, but falling short 38-35.

Who has the edge for a surprisingly interesting Week 2 battle? Here are the latest odds:

Commanders vs. Lions Odds, Spread and Total

Commanders vs. Lions Betting Trends

Commanders:

  • Washington 8-3 ATS in last 11 games following a straight up win
  • 5-1 ATS in last 6 games following a win ATS
  • OVER is 4-1 in Washington's last five games in September
  • 0-4 ATS in last four games in Detroit

Lions:

  • Finished 11-6-0 ATS in 2021 despite 3-13-1 regular season record
  • Detroit 5-0 ATS in last five home games
  • Home team 5-1 ATS in last six games
  • OVER is 8-3 in Lions last 11 games after scoring > 30 points

Commanders vs. Lions Prediction and Pick

I loved the initial total when it first opened on Sunday evening and pounced on it when it was at 46.5. Now, most books have it anywhere between 48.5-49.5. I'm still good with those numbers as well before it hits 50, but would recommend trying to get a better number live.

Since Dan Campbell took over as play-caller from Anthony Lynn, the Lions' look far superior than when Anthony Lynn was at the helm, particularly in the second half. Last week with new offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was impressive; with the Lions covering in what appeared to be a blowout loss at home; finishing third in the NFL in points per play. In their final three games last year, Detroit ranked seventh in the NFL in second half points, and ninth in points per play overall, so this is more than just a one-game sample.

As for Washington, Carson Wentz joined Patrick Mahomes as the only two quarterbacks to throw for 300-plus yards and four or more touchdowns to start the season.

Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel scored a touchdown while Jahan Dotson caught two in his first ever NFL game, and now faces a Lions defense that got torched by new Philadelphia Eagles receiver A.J. Brown last week. Credit Jeff Okudah for not allowing a completion to Devonta Smith, but even if Detroit takes away one of those three weapons, the other two should have massive games with Scott Turner making the calls.

Even with the early line move, I still think there's enough value on the over before it climbs past the 50-mark. Jump on it fast!

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