Years from now, when people look back on the 2024 NFL season, they might remember two major events: the Detroit Lions winning their first Super Bowl and Jayden Daniels having an incredible and historic rookie season.
The Lions are the favorite to win the Super Bowl, according to BetMGM’s odds, after securing the NFC’s top seed. Their first playoff game is against the Washington Commanders, led by Daniels. Daniels has already led the Commanders to some dramatic victories, including a walk-off win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round.
The atmosphere in Detroit will be electric for Saturday night’s divisional playoff game. It will be interesting to see if Daniels can quiet the crowd.
The matchup No. 6 Washington Commanders (13-5) at No. 1 Detroit Lions (15-2)
Ford Field, Detroit
8 p.m. ET
Washington Commanders Record: 12-5
Game time: 6:30 AM (FOX)
Detroit Lions Record: 15-2
Line: DET -9.5 O/U 55.5
Location: Ford Field, MI
How to watch Commanders at Lions The game will be broadcast on Fox.
Betting odds The Lions are the biggest favorite of the divisional round, favored by 9.5 points at BetMGM. This game also has the highest total at 55.5. The Lions had a lot of hype before the season and surpassed expectations, finishing with a 12-4-1 record against the spread, which tied for the best in the NFL, according to Action Network’s standings.
X-factor One of the Lions’ key players this season, running back David Montgomery, had been expected to miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury. However, the injury turned out to be less severe than first thought, and Montgomery is expected to play on Saturday night. Montgomery has been a vital part of the Lions’ offense, forming a dynamic duo with Jahmyr Gibbs.
Montgomery had 775 yards and 12 touchdowns on 185 carries over 14 games this season. The Lions’ rushing attack is hard to stop when both backs are fully healthy. If Montgomery plays like he usually does, it could be tough for the Commanders’ defense, which ranks 28th in the NFL for yards allowed per run.
How the Commanders can win Here’s the Commanders’ chance:
Washington is at a disadvantage in this game, but Jayden Daniels gives them hope. It’s tough to imagine a rookie quarterback making such an impact, but Daniels has done it. The Lions’ defense has struggled at times due to injuries. In Week 16, Daniels threw five touchdown passes against a much stronger Eagles defense. The Commanders’ path to victory depends on Daniels playing at his best. He’s shown he can do it.
How the Lions can win The Lions should have no problem putting up points. They had the highest-scoring offense in the NFL this season. The Commanders were 18th in points allowed and 13th in yards allowed. While Washington’s defense, led by head coach Dan Quinn, is solid, they don’t appear to be the type of defense that can slow down Detroit’s high-powered offense.
The Lions’ goal should be to avoid turning the ball over too much and to limit big plays from Daniels. Mobile quarterbacks like Kyler Murray, Anthony Richardson, and Josh Allen have had success running against the Lions this season.
If the Lions play to their usual level, they should be fine. This could be a game where David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs dominate against a Commanders defense that has allowed a lot of rushing yards this year.
Prediction Jayden Daniels has already become one of those rare quarterbacks who intimidate opponents, no matter the situation. Is there any rookie quarterback you’d trust more in a playoff game on the road against a No. 1 seed? Even if Daniels plays a fantastic game, the Lions have the ability to outscore almost anyone if needed.
The Commanders have had an exciting season, but outside of Daniels, this is a good matchup for the Lions. If Detroit loses as big favorites at home, it would be devastating for fans hoping to see their team reach the Super Bowl for the first time.
Lions 34, Commanders 24
