Live Update: Detroit Lions Set to Host Washington Commanders in Divisional Round Showdown
Allen Park, MI – Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions finally have clarity on their next opponent as they prepare to resume their playoff journey. Following their first-round bye, the Lions will host the Washington Commanders (13-5) on Saturday night at 8 p.m. in front of a roaring crowd at Ford Field.
Washington earned their ticket to the divisional round with a thrilling 23-20 wild-card victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night. The game ended in dramatic fashion, with rookie kicker Zane Gonzalez drilling a game-winning field goal that hit the upright before bouncing through as time expired.
Lions Face Unfamiliar Foe in Commanders
Of the four potential wild-card opponents, the Commanders are the team Detroit knows the least about. The Lions swept both the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings this season and defeated the Los Angeles Rams in the opener. However, Detroit hasn’t faced Washington since 2022, and both teams have undergone significant changes since then.
Head coach Dan Campbell shared insights from his experience with the New Orleans Saints, emphasizing the importance of not over-preparing for hypothetical opponents during a first-round bye.
“We’re going to know by Sunday night, and then we come in full force on that, full game plan,” Campbell said last week. “We’ve faced all of these teams with the exception of Washington. We’ll have breakdowns ready, and then we’ll go from there.”
Commanders Thrived in Wild-Card Thriller
Washington showcased their resilience in Tampa, excelling in critical moments. The Commanders are the NFL’s best fourth-down team, and that strength was on full display as they converted three of five fourth-down attempts, including a pivotal touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels delivered when it mattered most. After Tampa Bay tied the game with a late field goal, Daniels orchestrated a clutch drive, capped by Gonzalez’s game-winning kick. Daniels also demonstrated his dual-threat ability, breaking tackles and making tough throws to manage the clock and put his team in position to win.
Around the League
Elsewhere, the Philadelphia Eagles eliminated the Green Bay Packers with a 22-10 victory, securing their spot as the No. 2 seed and hosting a divisional-round game.
In the AFC, the Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens advanced to the next round. The top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs will host Houston, while MVP candidates will collide in a highly anticipated Bills-Ravens matchup in Buffalo.
Washington by the Numbers
Here’s a look at where the Commanders rank statistically this season:
Offensive Rankings:
- Net yards per passing attempt: 6.4 (13th)
- Rushing yards per attempt: 5.0 (4th)
- Third-down conversion rate: 45.6% (6th)
- Red-zone efficiency: 63.4% (6th)
Defensive Rankings:
- Net passing yards allowed per attempt: 6.0 (10th)
- Rushing yards allowed per attempt: 4.8 (28th)
- Third-down stop rate: 38.2% (15th)
- Red-zone stop percentage: 60.4% (22nd)
With a trip to the NFC Championship on the line, Dan Campbell’s Lions will look to capitalize on home-field advantage and prepare for a formidable but unfamiliar Washington squad. Expect plenty of fireworks in what promises to be a high-stakes showdown in Detroit. Stay tuned for live updates!
