Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions Pick & Prediction JANUARY 18th 2025
Preview and Prediction
Detroit has secured the top spot in the NFC for the first time in franchise history, but their ultimate goal is far from being achieved as they enter the divisional playoffs on Saturday night at Ford Field. Lions quarterback Jared Goff expressed their readiness for this moment, stating that a win would reward them with another home game. The Lions were runners-up in the NFC last season, but this year they have set a new franchise record with 15 wins in the regular season. They clinched the NFC North title with a Week 18 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, earning the only first-round bye in the conference. While the Lions have been resting and strategizing to protect their injury-plagued defense, the Washington Commanders have already secured their first playoff win since 2005 with a 23-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels played a crucial role in this win, with a 72% completion rate and 12 touchdowns in the fourth quarter and overtime. He also led five comeback wins and helped Washington secure a spot in the playoffs with three fourth-quarter touchdown passes in their victory over the Eagles last month. Since 1950, rookie quarterbacks have a record of 5-7 in the Divisional Playoffs and 1-4 since 2010. Only Mark Sanchez (2009 with the Jets) and Joe Flacco (2008 with the Ravens) have won multiple road games as rookie starters. However, Daniels has been described by his coach as a "killer inside that helmet," and his performance this season has not reflected his rookie status. He has helped the Commanders improve from four wins to a 12-5 finish and has been instrumental in their five one-score wins. The No. 6 seed in the NFC, Washington will have to face the Lions on their home turf for the fourth time in the playoffs. The Commanders have a perfect 3-0 record against the Lions in the playoffs and a win would secure their spot in the conference championship for the first time since their victory over the Lions in the 1991 NFC title game. Washington head coach Dan Quinn praised Daniels for his poise in "winning time moments," stating that it is contagious for the team. However, beating the Lions at home will require another clutch performance from Daniels and the Washington defense. They were able to slow down the Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield last week, but the Lions' offense is a different challenge altogether. The Lions have the top-ranked scoring offense (33.2 points per game) and the second-ranked total offense (409.5 yards per game) in the NFL this season. They will also welcome back running back David Montgomery, who missed three games due to a knee injury but has returned stronger than ever. Montgomery's physical running style is the perfect complement to the speedy Jahmyr Gibbs, who has been a standout player for Washington this season. The Lions also have standout players in wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who was named All-Pro in 2024, and quarterback Jared Goff, who has thrown 37 touchdowns and completed 72.4% of his passes this season. Washington's defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. acknowledged the challenge of facing such a talented offense, stating that they test the discipline of the defense and have exceptional players. Despite being plagued by injuries, the Lions have been dominant on third down, leading the NFL in third-down defense. This has been a testament to their defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who has remained steadfast in his approach despite the numerous injuries. This has made him a popular target for teams with a head coaching vacancy. Both Washington and Detroit have been bold in their approach this season, with both teams leading the league in fourth-down conversion percentage. Washington has converted 20 of 23 attempts, while Detroit has converted 22 of 33 attempts. They also lead the league in fourth-down attempts since 2021. Washington converted three times in five fourth-down attempts in their win over the Buccaneers last week, and their head coach Dan Quinn praised their boldness and confidence. Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who has played in a Super Bowl with the Rams, noted that Daniels appears comfortable in any situation, and their defense's job will be to make him uncomfortable. In conclusion, the Lions and the Commanders have both had successful seasons and are now facing each other in the divisional playoffs. Both teams have talented players and have shown boldness and confidence in their approach. It will be a thrilling matchup, and only time will tell who will come out on top.
Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions Recap JAN 18TH 2025
Jayden Daniels passed for two touchdowns, Brian Robinson Jr. rushed for two more and Mike Sainristil had two interceptions to help the Washington Commanders pull off a stunning 45-31 victory over the host Detroit Lions in the NFC divisional round on Saturday night.
Terry McLaurin and Zach Ertz had touchdown receptions and Jeremy McNichols rushed for a score as the sixth-seeded Commanders secured a spot in next week's NFC Championship Game. Washington will visit either the Philadelphia Eagles or Los Angeles Rams, who play Sunday.
The NFC Championship Game appearance will be Washington's first since the 1991 Super Bowl-winning season.
Jared Goff threw three interceptions for top-seeded Detroit, which went a franchise-best 15-2 in the regular season. Jahmyr Gibbs had 175 scrimmage yards (105 rushing, 70 receiving) and scored two touchdowns, Sam LaPorta had a touchdown grab and Amon-Ra St. Brown had eight catches for 137 yards.
The Lions committed five turnovers to Washington's none. Goff also lost a fumble, and receiver Jameson Williams was intercepted off a reverse pass.
Quan Martin returned an interception for a touchdown for the Commanders. Jeremy Chinn also had an interception for Washington.
Daniels completed 22 of 31 passes for 299 yards to lead the Commanders to their second straight playoff victory. Washington beat the host Tampa Bay Buccaneers last weekend.
Washington led by three entering the fourth quarter before 1-yard runs by Robinson and McNichols extended the cushion to 45-28 lead. Sainristil made his second interception between the scores, picking off Williams on a trick play.
The Lions moved within 14 on a 28-yard field goal by Jake Bates with 5:01 left, but there would be no late-game charge.
Daniels passed for 242 yards and two touchdowns in the first half as the Commanders held a 31-21 lead.
Gibbs opened the scoring with a 1-yard scoring run midway through the opening quarter before Washington's Zane Gonzalez hit a 47-yard field goal with 3:50 remaining in the period.
A wide-open second quarter featured 42 points and three touchdowns of 40 or more yards.
Washington took a 10-7 lead on a 2-yard run by Robinson with 10:55 left in the half. Detroit moved back ahead just over three minutes later when LaPorta made a diving grab from Goff for a 2-yard touchdown.
Just 81 seconds later, the Commanders were back ahead as McLaurin caught a short pass, split two defenders and eluded another one downfield while running 58 yards down the sideline with 6:23 left. Washington's lead grew to 24-14 just 58 seconds later when Martin intercepted an overthrown Goff pass and returned it 40 yards for a score.
Goff took a massive hit to the chin from Washington's Frankie Luvu during the return, so Teddy Bridgewater handled the next series. On the third play, Williams broke loose on a double reverse and raced 61 yards for a touchdown to bring Detroit within three with 4:01 left.
The Commanders found the end zone again when Daniels threw a 5-yard scoring pass to Ertz with 1:46 left.
The third quarter was quiet in comparison with just one touchdown -- that coming on Gibbs' 8-yard run to pull the Lions within 31-28 with 6:57 remaining.