The best players in the Commanders-Lions divisional round matchup include standout athletes who have made significant impacts on their respective teams. As the No. 1 seed, the Detroit Lions (15-2) prepare to host the No. 6 seed Washington Commanders (12-5) this Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app, fans can expect a thrilling encounter, marking the fourth playoff clash between these two franchises.
Historically, Washington holds a favorable record against Detroit, boasting a 31-16 all-time series lead and winning all three previous playoff meetings.
Here are the ten standout players to watch in this highly anticipated Commanders-Lions showdown.
Bobby Wagner has proven to be exactly what the Washington Commanders needed in their defensive lineup. In his inaugural season with the team, he amassed 132 combined tackles, two fumble recoveries, two sacks, and one forced fumble. His impressive performance continued in the wild-card round against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he recorded eight combined tackles and another fumble recovery. With six All-Pro selections and nine Pro Bowl appearances, Wagner stands out as a defensive powerhouse, ranking fourth in NFL history with 1,838 combined tackles since 1994.
Another key player for Washington is Frankie Luvu, who has solidified his role as a defensive leader. During the regular season, he recorded 99 combined tackles, eight sacks, and two fumble recoveries. Luvu’s ability to disrupt plays earned him a notable 73.4 pass-rush grade from PFF, showcasing his impact on the field.
For the Lions, Kerby Joseph has emerged as a formidable force in the secondary. With nine interceptions this season, including a touchdown return, he led the NFL in picks. Joseph’s defensive prowess is highlighted by his All-Pro selection and significant contribution to a Lions defense that ranked seventh in points allowed per game.
Terry McLaurin, a two-time Pro Bowler, continues to be a reliable target for the Commanders. This season, he achieved a career-high of 13 touchdown receptions and surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the fifth consecutive year, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top receivers.
Rookie quarterback Jaden Daniels, selected second overall in the 2024 draft, has made waves in his first season. With 3,568 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, he has quickly established himself as a dual-threat quarterback, rushing for 891 yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability.
Jared Goff, the Lions’ quarterback, has delivered an impressive season, accumulating 4,629 passing yards and 37 touchdowns. His performance has propelled Detroit into the playoffs, where he aims to lead the team to victory.
Amon-Ra St. Brown has transformed into a premier receiver for the Lions, consistently achieving over 100 receptions and 1,100 receiving yards each season. His skill set has made him an integral part of the Lions’ high-powered offense.
Frank Ragnow, a key player on the Lions’ offensive line, excels at both run blocking and pass protection. His versatility and skill have earned him multiple Pro Bowl selections, helping to anchor Detroit’s offensive front.
Penei Sewell, the Lions’ right tackle, has lived up to expectations since being drafted seventh overall in 2021. His accolades include multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors, showcasing his reliability and skill in protecting Goff.
Jahmyr Gibbs has quickly become one of the most exciting running backs in the league. This season, he led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns and added significant receiving numbers, proving his value to the Lions’ offense.
Honorable mentions:
