1. The Lions must exploit the Redskins’ suspect defense preferably by throwing deep. The defense is rated 32nd in the NFL, allowing an average of 511.5 yards and 35.5 points  per game. The rushing defense is 32nd and passing defense is 23rd. All the talk about Robert Griffin III’s knee is fine, but perhaps the blame for the Redskins’ 0-2 start should be on the other side of the ball.

2. If Reggie Bush is in or out, the run game must be up to speed. He was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report. If he’s still out with the knee he injured at Arizona, Joique Bell, Theo Riddick and Mikel Leshoure have to step up. Things fell apart in the second half at Arizona without Bush last week. That can’t happen again.

3. The Lions’ defensive line (with or without Nick Fairley) must pressure Griffin consistently. The quarterback is young and vulnerable, his knee may not be 100 percent even though he won’t use it as an excuse for the 0-2 start. Fairley, who sat out last Sunday at Arizona, is listed as questionable.

4. Matthew Stafford needs to spread the ball around more. Perhaps get Tony Scheffler and Joe Fauria more involved in the offense. Of course it would help if they would get to the red zone where those two tight ends are depended on more.

5. Coaches and players keep saying the fact that the Lions have never, ever won in Washington doesn’t matter to them, they just want a win. Prove it.

Prediction: Lions 38, Redskins 21

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)