NFL Week Three Preview | Washington Redskins @ Detroit Lions

Matt and Zac Snyder of Bleacher Report and mittensportsreport.com break down this week's Detroit Lions football match-up.

When the Lions have the ball...

Detroit's passing attack vs. Washington's defensive backs

Zac says: Matthew Stafford's success has only come in flashes. From time to time, he's been able to show the physical gifts that made him the number one overall pick in the draft last April. Along with the good has been plenty of ugly. Drive killing interceptions have plagued the offense's progress. Advantage: Redskins

Matt says: The Lions have are one of the NFL's worst passing teams through the first two weeks, but Calvin Johnson is always just one broken tackle away from the end zone. The Lions may eventually turn into a good (even great) passing team if and when the rookie learns to stop forcing the ball on every throw and starts showing some touch and discretion with his passes. Advantage: Redskins

Detroit's running game vs. Washington's front seven

Zac says: Kevin Smith followed up a disappointing opener with a solid performance against the Vikings. When Smith runs angry, the yards pile up in bunches. The Redskins added $100 million man Albert Haynesworth to anchor the middle of their defensive line. However, the Lions managed an effective running game against the Vikings' Pat Williams and Kevin Williams, two of the game's best. Advantage: Lions

Matt says: The Lions coaching staff shook up the offensive line last week in an attempt to get some better run blocking, but even the improved performance was still just average. With a rookie quarterback making his fair share of rookie mistakes, it has become even more imperative that the running game gets going, but they haven't convinced me that they're there yet. Advantage: Redskins

When the Redskins have the ball...

Washington's passing attack vs. Detroit's defensive backs

Zac says: Chris Cooley figures to be a main target by Washington quarterback Jason Campbell. Washington has failed to put together a down field passing attack with Campbell under center. The Lions ability to hold the passing game in check hinges on their ability stop the run. A solid defensive effort up front will allow the safeties to stay back in coverage and force Campbell to make a play he may not be able to make. Advantage: Even

Matt says: Jason Campbell has improved every year under center for the Redskins, but he's still by no means a great quarterback. The Lions got burned by Brett Favre last week without ever forcing him to make big plays. If the Lions continue to allow easy short passes, Campbell could do the same thing to them this week. If the Lions force Campbell into becoming a playmaker they could have success this week. Advantage: Lions

Washington's running game vs. Detroit's front seven

Zac says: The Lions consistently struggle against elite running backs; Clinton Portis would qualify as such. Stopping the run would force Jason Campbell into a play maker rather than the game manager role with which he is most successful. In Week Two, Adrian Peterson made big plays by cutting back to the outside when the Lions lost contain. Portis doesn't have that kind of speed but the Lions can't afford the blown assignments that allow extra yards. Advantage: Redskins

Matt says: The Lions run defense did a decent job last week against Adrian Peterson, who is the best back in the league these days. Redskins starter Clinton Portis may be beginning the down slope of his career, but he's still plenty dangerous. The Lions need to control the run game to have a shot at winning this one. A good game from the front seven, and I may upgrade the run defense to "average." Advantage: Even

Bottom line...

Zac (2-0) says: Last week, the Redskins offense managed just three field goals out of four red zone opportunities. If the Lions can keep Washington from capitalizing on scoring opportunities then they may be able to end the NFL's second longest losing streak of all time. If not, the streak will continue. Washington 20, Detroit 17

Matt (2-0) says: Only the St. Louis Rams have scored fewer points than the Redskins this year, but then again the Lions have allowed more points than any other team. This one should be close, but it's the best chance the Lions have to win until the Rams come to Detroit in Week Eight. The Lions are fighting to end that awful losing streak and the Redskins are fighting not to be the ones to lose to the Lions. When will it end? Perhaps on Sunday. Detroit 23, Washington 16