WHERE: Ford Field (Detroit)
WHEN: 8 p.m. ET | Fox, Fox Deportes, NFL+
For the first time this millennium, the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders are both in playoff contention at the same time. The last meeting between these two teams in the postseason came in 1999, when Washington handed Detroit a crushing defeat in the Wild Card Round. Since then, neither team has made the playoffs in the same season — until now.
This Saturday, two long-suffering fanbases will watch as their teams battle for a spot in the NFC Championship Game. The Lions’ resurgence began late in 2022 and culminated in an NFC title game appearance in 2023. Now, under Dan Campbell, Detroit is not just looking to repeat last year’s success, but to take it to the next level. The expectation in Detroit is clear: it’s Super Bowl or bust.
With the league’s top offense and a defense that, while banged up, has shown grit, the Lions earned the No. 1 seed for the first time in franchise history, marking their second-ever bye in the Wild Card Round (the first came in 1991). Commanders fans might find solace in the fact that the last time Detroit had a playoff bye, Washington went on to blow them out in the NFC Championship — the last time Washington made it that far.
Washington’s turnaround has been swift. After finishing at the bottom of the NFC East in back-to-back seasons, the Commanders made significant moves in the offseason, hiring Dan Quinn and drafting quarterback Jayden Daniels. These changes immediately paid off. The “Cardiac Commanders” became masters of the dramatic, with seven last-minute wins in 2024, including five consecutive victories decided by a single play.
Daniels’ steady hand and calm demeanor have Washington believing it can hang with any team, even a 15-win juggernaut like Detroit. Just two years ago, this matchup for a spot in the NFC Championship Game would’ve seemed outlandish. But on Saturday, one of these fanbases will continue dreaming, while the other faces heartbreak.
Here are three key points to watch for when the Commanders face the Lions in this Divisional Round showdown:
1) The Jayden Daniels Show
It’s hard to overstate how important Jayden Daniels has been to Washington’s success. The rookie quarterback’s poise and skill have been game-changing, and without him, Washington would not be in this position. Dan Campbell, Detroit’s head coach, was full of praise for the young QB, saying, “He does not play the position like a rookie quarterback.” Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn noted Daniels’ calm demeanor and how much fun he seems to be having on the field.
Daniels broke records in leading Washington to its first playoff win in 19 years. His 69% completion rate set a rookie record, and he racked up 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns through the air. On top of that, Daniels set an all-time rookie rushing record with 891 yards and six touchdowns. In fact, Daniels has been the primary source of Washington’s rushing attack, accounting for most of the team’s rushing yards since Week 15.
Despite the heavy workload, Daniels hasn’t faltered. Heading into Ford Field for his first playoff road game, he’ll face a Lions defense that loves to blitz. Daniels has been particularly effective against the blitz, with a 114.7 passer rating in such situations. It’ll be interesting to see how Glenn’s aggressive defensive schemes match up against the rookie sensation.
2) Lions’ Run Game vs. Vulnerable Commanders Run Defense
The Lions’ offense has been a juggernaut this season, setting a franchise record with 564 points — the fourth-highest total in NFL history. But while Detroit’s passing game has been dynamic, they also have a strong ground game, which could be the key to their success on Saturday.
Detroit averaged 146.4 rushing yards per game in 2024, ranking sixth in the NFL. With David Montgomery returning from injury, Detroit’s backfield is back to full strength. Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs form one of the league’s most potent running back duos, each having eclipsed 1,000 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns this season. Gibbs, in particular, had an exceptional season, leading the team with 1,929 scrimmage yards and finishing third in the NFL.
Washington, on the other hand, struggled against the run, ranking third-worst in the league with 137.5 rushing yards allowed per game. The Lions’ offensive line, one of the best in the league, should be able to exploit this weakness. Although Montgomery may not carry the full load right away, his return gives Detroit an extra weapon in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
3) The Battle of the Fourth-Down Guts
Both Dan Campbell and Dan Quinn have earned reputations as aggressive coaches, especially when it comes to fourth-down decisions. The Lions and Commanders were the only two teams in 2024 with a winning record and over 20 fourth-down conversions. Detroit led the NFL in fourth-down attempts with 33 and converted 23, including six touchdowns. Washington, however, led the league with the highest conversion rate at 87%.
Campbell’s willingness to go for it in key situations has often paid off, making Detroit’s offense even more unpredictable. His bold decisions often force opponents to match that intensity. On the other hand, Quinn’s fearless approach was on full display in the Wild Card Round, where Washington converted three out of five fourth-down attempts. The Commanders’ aggressive mindset could be crucial as they travel to Detroit as significant underdogs.
Saturday’s game will undoubtedly be a high-stakes, hard-fought battle. Both teams have found their resurgence this season, but only one will advance to the NFC Championship. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown between the Lions and Commanders.
