On Saturday night, the Washington Commanders will clash with the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, starting at 8:00 p.m. EST. This matchup features the sixth-seed Commanders (13-5; 11-6-1 ATS) taking on the NFC’s top-seeded Lions (15-2; 12-5-0 ATS). Historically, the Lions have had the upper hand against Washington, boasting a record of 5-1 (4-1-1 ATS) since 2010, including a nine-point victory in their last encounter in 2022. Will this trend continue as they meet again this weekend?
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Commanders Secure a Playoff Victory
After 19 years of waiting, the Commanders have finally clinched a playoff win. In a thrilling finish reminiscent of their 2006 triumph, Washington edged out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 with a game-winning kick as time expired. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels played a pivotal role in their success, marking his postseason debut with 268 passing yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, along with 36 rushing yards—the highest on the team. Daniels not only led in the playoffs but also was the Commanders’ top passer and rusher throughout the regular season. Notably, he was sacked only once during this crucial game, a significant improvement considering Washington’s offensive line had allowed 50 sacks during the regular season, ranking them 25th in the league. In their wild-card win, the Commanders showcased strong ball security, not turning the ball over, and they finished with the eighth-fewest turnovers overall. Moving forward, they aim to enhance their rushing game, having managed just 82 yards on 33 carries against the Buccaneers, a stark contrast to their top-five rushing performance in 2024.
The Commanders’ playoff journey will heavily rely on their defense. If they can limit their opponents to 20 points or fewer, a championship parade in Washington D.C. may not be a far-fetched dream. This matchup against the Lions represents their biggest challenge yet. Washington’s defense, which ranked 18th in scoring during the regular season, must step up against a high-powered offense. They had a rough season defending the run, ranking in the bottom five, and allowed 101 rushing yards on 25 carries against Tampa last week. In the passing game, they ranked 16th in yards allowed per attempt. Last week, Baker Mayfield had a successful outing against them, completing 15 of 18 passes for 185 yards, though Washington managed to sack him twice. Their takeaway numbers were not impressive, but they did recover a crucial fumble in the fourth quarter. Each playoff game is a new chance. Do the Commanders have what it takes to outsmart the NFC’s top team?
Key Injuries – Zach Ertz (questionable); Jamison Crowder (questionable); Clelin Ferrell (questionable); Daron Payne (questionable); Bobby Wagner (questionable)
Lions Showcase a Historic Season
The Lions are enjoying their finest season in nearly a century, and it has led them to the most critical games of the year. In their last two regular-season outings, the Lions faced high-pressure scenarios, defeating a strong San Francisco 49ers team on the road and then securing the NFC North title with a convincing 31-9 win over the Minnesota Vikings.
Despite dealing with injuries, the Lions maintained their winning streak throughout the season. Their offensive prowess is highlighted by an impressive average of 33.2 points per game, the highest in the NFL this year. They also ranked second in total yards and third in yards per play. Running back David Montgomery is expected to return, bolstering a rushing attack that finished sixth in yards and ninth in yards per carry. Quarterback Jared Goff had a standout season, finishing second in passing yards, completion percentage, and passer rating, while throwing 37 touchdown passes, placing him fourth in that category. Detroit’s offensive line deserves credit too, allowing the 10th-fewest sacks and contributing to the team’s sixth-fewest turnovers during the season. Can any team contain these powerful Lions?
Defensively, Detroit has also made a strong impression. They held their opponents to an average of 20.1 points per game, ranking seventh-best in the league. With 24 takeaways, they were able to swing momentum in their favor multiple times this season. However, they have struggled with yardage, finishing 27th in yards allowed per play. The Lions allowed 4.5 yards per carry and 7.2 yards per pass attempt, both ranking 22nd in the league. They finished with 37 sacks, placing them 23rd in that category. At home, they only held three teams under 20 points, with two of those having the league’s bottom scoring offenses. Will a week of rest and preparation help or hinder Detroit’s chances?
Key Injuries – Kevin Zeitler (questionable); Pat O’Connor (questionable)
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