The NFC Divisional Round will feature the Washington Commanders facing the top-seeded Detroit Lions this Saturday. Washington, coming off a dramatic 23-20 wild-card win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels’ performance included 268 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a game-winning drive, marking Washington’s first playoff victory since 2005 and ending one of the longest playoff droughts in the NFL.
Under head coach Dan Campbell, the Detroit Lions are once again contenders for a Super Bowl. Last season, the Lions advanced to the NFC Championship Game, but their hopes were dashed by a second-half rally from the San Francisco 49ers. This year, they have secured the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the first time in franchise history, a huge milestone in their quest for their first championship since 1957.
Washington Commanders’ Strong Playoff History Against Detroit Lions
Washington holds a perfect 3-0 postseason record against Detroit, having defeated them in three previous playoff meetings—twice in the wild-card round (1982, 1999) and once in the conference championship (1991). Washington went on to win Super Bowls after each of those victories, adding historical significance to this rivalry. This matchup marks the fourth meeting between these teams in the playoffs.
Jayden Daniels, Washington’s rookie quarterback, has made an immediate impact, leading five game-winning drives this season—the third most by a rookie quarterback since 1950. Daniels is also a dual-threat, rushing for 927 yards, the second-most by a quarterback in the league this season. His performance has set multiple records, including becoming the first rookie quarterback to rush for over 900 yards, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure.
Lions’ Dominant Offense and Jared Goff’s Leadership in 2025 Season
The Detroit Lions have been dominant offensively, outscoring opponents by 222 points this season, a franchise first. Quarterback Jared Goff has been instrumental, leading an explosive offense alongside star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and dynamic running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Gibbs, in particular, has been remarkable, leading the league in scrimmage touchdowns and joining an elite group with 20 touchdowns, over 1,400 rushing yards, and 500 receiving yards in a single season.
Jayden Daniels will face another historic challenge in this game, as it marks the sixth time in Super Bowl history that a rookie quarterback faces a team with the best record in the NFL. Daniels has 13 wins in his rookie season, just one shy of tying Ben Roethlisberger’s record of 14 rookie victories. The stakes are high, with Washington looking to build on their past playoff success and advance to the NFC Championship Game for the first time in decades.
