For the first time in franchise history, the Detroit Lions secured the NFC’s No. 1 seed, but their ultimate goal lies much further ahead. Saturday night at Ford Field, the Lions take on the surging Washington Commanders in a highly anticipated divisional playoff matchup.
Detroit’s resurgence under head coach Dan Campbell has been nothing short of remarkable. The Lions set a franchise record with 15 wins in the regular season, clinching the NFC North and earning the conference’s only first-round bye after a decisive Week 18 victory over Minnesota. Quarterback Jared Goff, who threw for 37 touchdowns with a 72.4% completion rate, understands the stakes:
“We came into this year ready for games like this,” Goff said. “If we win, we get another one at home. That’s a big reward.”
While the Lions rested and regrouped, the Commanders kept their momentum alive with a nail-biting 23-20 road win over Tampa Bay. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels stole the show, showcasing his poise under pressure. Daniels, who led Washington to a 12-5 record after a mere four-win campaign last season, completed 72% of his passes and delivered 12 touchdowns in fourth quarters and overtime during the regular season.
Last week, Daniels cemented his reputation with a game-tying touchdown pass on fourth down and a cool, game-winning drive in overtime. Head coach Dan Quinn described his rookie QB as having “a killer inside that helmet,” a trait that’s carried the Commanders to five comeback wins this season.
Historical Trends Favor Washington… for Now
History offers mixed signals for the Commanders. Rookie quarterbacks are just 5-7 in divisional playoff games since 1950 and have gone 1-4 since 2010. However, Washington boasts a perfect 3-0 postseason record against Detroit, including their last meeting in the 1991 NFC Championship. A win Saturday would send Washington to its first conference championship game in over three decades.
The Lions, however, are a vastly different beast in 2024. They boast the NFL’s top-ranked scoring offense (33.2 PPG) and second-best total offense (409.5 YPG). The return of running back David Montgomery, who scored 12 rushing touchdowns this season, adds even more firepower. Montgomery’s downhill running style complements the explosiveness of rookie sensation Jahmyr Gibbs, who racked up over 1,400 rushing yards, 20 total touchdowns, and blistering speed that can turn any play into a highlight reel.
“He’s a big part of this team,” said Lions All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who led Detroit with 115 catches for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns. “To have him back, it sets the tone for us as an offense.”
Key Matchups: Commanders’ Grit vs. Lions’ Firepower
Detroit’s third-down defense, ranked No. 1 in the NFL, will be tested by Washington’s aggressive fourth-down play-calling. The Commanders converted 20 of 23 fourth-down attempts this season, the league’s best rate. But the Lions, led by defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, have thrived despite a litany of injuries, sticking to their man-to-man scheme and daring opponents to beat them.
“There’s boldness and confidence in what they do,” Quinn said of Detroit’s defense. “They don’t change, even with injuries.”
For the Commanders to pull off another upset, Daniels will need to deliver a near-flawless performance against Detroit’s opportunistic defense, while Washington’s own defense must contain the Lions’ dynamic offense.
“They test your discipline,” said Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. “You can’t afford to make mistakes, because they’ll make you pay.”
The Bottom Line
This game has all the makings of a classic. The Lions, favored by 9 points, have the offensive firepower and home-field advantage to dictate the tempo. But the Commanders, led by their fearless rookie QB and a battle-tested coach, thrive in the role of underdog.
The key to the game will be third-down efficiency, turnovers, and red-zone execution. If Washington can extend drives and force Goff into mistakes, they’ll have a chance to shock the NFC’s top seed. Otherwise, Detroit’s depth and explosiveness could prove too much to overcome.
