The Redskins had a bad week.  The fallout has been rough.  A rookie linebacker was a dimwit.  Jim Zorn may be in trouble.  Morale is low.  Washington scored just nine points at home last weekend.  That said, they still did something the Lions have not done in nearly two years, win.

Inspired by Washington’s troubles, Pro-Lions sentiment has been simmering.  The Redskins expect a challenge.  The Lions “have a chance.”  They may even pull off “an upset.”  They won’t.

Detroit can’t throw the ball.  Quarterback rating is nebulous, but Matthew Stafford’s 40.5, lowest in the NFL, is no fluke.  He has been worse than JaMarcus Russell and Jake Delhomme.  Stafford has five interceptions to his one touchdown.  His yards per attempt, 5.3 is second lowest in the NFL.  He wasn’t ready.

The Lions can’t run the ball.  With an awful offensive line, they are averaging just three yards per carry.  Main back Kevin Smith is averaging 2.6.  They have not broken a play longer than 13 yards on the ground.

Detroit can’t stop the pass.  The Lions have allowed an 80.6 percent completion rate and eight touchdowns through the air in two games.  Opponents have a 134.9 quarterback rating.

They can’t stop the run either, allowing 4.5 yards per carry.  Why would you bother establishing the run when you can complete passes 80 percent of the time?

The Lions do nothing well.

Washington has had a week of disarray.  The Lions have had 46 years of it.  The Redskins won last week.  The Lions have won just once in their last 26 games.  That was a narrow win against a Chiefs’ team coached by Herm Edwards in the midst of a nine-game losing streak.

Optimism is unwarranted.  Take the Maroon and Black and the points.