Why the Redskins will scalp the Lions...

Now, if you put aside all of the loose talk in the media jinxing the crap out of the Detroit Lions, the Lions look like things are definitely swinging in the up direction.

I will not go out on the crazy limbs that some local writers and players are hinting at. There will be no use of the "P" word here.

I will say these few positives though...

1. The Lions are healthier now than most teams in the NFL. Currently it looks like the only starter who won't be able to suit up this Sunday is Zach Follet and, frankly, he wasn't playing all that well to begin with.

2. The schedule looks very favorable. The Lions play six of the final ten games this season at home--including every divisional game. Furthermore, aside from the Patriots on Thanksgiving and the New York Jets, there doesn't appear to be any games that should make the Lions nervous. The Packers are riddled with injuries. The Bears are a complete charade. The Vikings are dealing with an injury to the Devil. The Cowboys are without Tony Romo. The Bills are awful. The Redskins lost to the Rams...the same team the Lions just beat the holy crap out of.

But these are the Lions and they will most likely prove us all wrong. No matter how bright the fire of hope is, the Lions always have a bigger bucket of water to put it out.

DeAngelo Hall

Hall had four interceptions last week. He is a wily veteran who could pray on a young developing quarterback like the Franchize--remember this will still only be Stafford's twelfth start in his career.

In fact the entire Redskins secondary is fairly impressive. Safety Laron Landry is a punishing hitter who demands respect. But none of that will matter if the Redskins defensive line can't generate some push.

But wait...

Albert Haynesworth

There was an unusual sighting of a man mountain in the middle of the Redskins defensive line. The much maligned defensive tackle has been a huge enigma for Washington this season. As he has continually complained about his role in the new Skins defense and tried to cross new head coach Mike Shanahan at every possible turn.

If Haynesworth shows up, he will be a force and could easily dominate the much smaller Dominic Raiola.

Donavon McNabb

Now the Lions have a way of turning every quarterback they face into a future hall of famer, but McNabb is probably already on his way to Canton. McNabb is another savvy veteran who should be able to take advantage of the Lions young and still infantile secondary.

McNabb represents two qualities the Lions have never been good at dealing with...mobility and respectability.