Detroit Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer (2) after practice during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Monday August 17, 2026.
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Detroit Lions vs Washington Commanders Prediction 8/22/2026 Picks

Pick details

MATCHUP Washington Commanders Detroit Lions
Team Records 1-0 0-1
Spread +1.5 -110 -1.5 -110
Moneyline +110 -130
Total Over 36.5 (-112) Under 36.5 (-108)
Where Detroit Stadium
When Saturday, August 22, 2026
Time 12:00 PM EDT
TV Lions TV Network

The Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions meet Saturday in NFL preseason action at Ford Field. Here’s a Detroit Lions vs Washington Commanders Prediction. This article will include a Detroit Lions vs Washington Commanders Pick.

Washington Commanders Betting Preview


The Commanders are coming off a blowout win over the Dolphins. The Commanders have lost 5 of their last 7 preseason games.

In the victory, Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 87 yards on 10 attempts while Sam Hartman had 80 passing yards and 1 interception. Kaytron Allen led the Commanders with 85 rushing yards and 1 touchdown while Jacoby Jones and Jaylin Lane combined for 64 receiving yards on 5 catches. Defensively, Antonio Hamilton Sr. led the Commanders with 5 tackles, Ricky Barber had 1 sack, and Shy Tuttle had 1 tackle for loss.

Detroit Lions Betting Preview


The Lions are coming off a preseason loss to the Bengals. The Lions have lost 4 of their last 5 preseason games.

In the losing effort, Luke Altmyer threw for 130 yards and 1 touchdown while Joshua Dobbs had 32 passing yards. Jacob Saylors led the Lions with 55 rushing yards while Dominic Lovett and Tarik Black combined for 52 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Aamaris Brown led the Lions with 5 tackles, Ahmed Hassanein had 2 sacks, and Amen Ogbongbemiga had 1 tackle for loss.

Detroit Lions vs Washington Commanders Prediction


Those who have followed me over the years know my handicapping in preseason is all about the quarterback position. The rest of the positions are toss-ups, and you have no idea who is going to play nd for how long. The one constant thing is decent quarterback play and the guys who can put points on the board.

I’m not running to the window to lay points with a team led by Dobbs and others, and the Lions haven’t had much preseason success over the last two years. The Commanders looked good in their preseason opener on both sides of the ball, and they’re more trustworthy on offense with Mariota and Hartman leading the charge. I’ll take my chances with the free points and Washington on the road.

Randy Chambers's Pick: Washington Commanders +1.5

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