Wild Card Weekend is officially in the books and now it’s time to turn our attention to the divisional round of the playoffs. Arguably the most exciting matchup of the coming weekend will be between the Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions.
The Lions had a sensational 15-2 season that earned them a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. The former was particularly important because of how banged-up Detroit has been this season.
The Lions are set to welcome back running back David Montgomery, who was once feared to have suffered a season-ending knee injury. We’re also keeping an eye on cornerback Terrion Arnold and guard Kevin Zeitler, both of whom were banged-up in Week 18. As of now, the expectation is that both will play.
If anyone had said the Commanders would make it this far before the season started, they would have gotten some skeptical looks, to say the least. However, thanks to the emergence of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who should be the Offensive Rookie of the Year, the Commanders are well ahead of schedule.
Of course, long-suffering Commanders fans are hoping the road doesn’t stop here, but the reality of the situation is that Washington is playing with house money and the future is incredibly bright, no matter what happens this weekend.
Nobody should be taking the Commanders lightly, as they are very capable of pulling off an upset against one of the best teams in the NFL. But are there any experts out there actually predicting that to happen? Let’s find out.
Lions vs. Commanders picks, predictions
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Lions 31, Commanders 27
Iyer: “The Lions’ defense has overachieved through injuries and is hoping to get a little healthier again to face red-hot rookie Jayden Daniels. But this is a tough matchup for Detroit because of Daniels’ two dynamic dimensions of firing deep shots and taking off outside. Washington’s offense will need to be aggressive and not force the traditional power run too much. The Lions, however, also will be able to exploit the Commanders’ run defense plenty with Jahmyr Gibbs and burn them in the slot with Amon-Ra St. Brown. Daniels gets a little more heat than Jared Goff as the Lions survive for a second straight NFC championship trip.”
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Lions 30, Commanders 27
Cluff: “The Commanders pulled off a 23-20 upset of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road with a field goal as time expired. It’s going to be a lot more difficult to upset the Lions at Ford Field. These teams didn’t play in the regular season. Jayden Daniels could make things interesting for Washington, but the Lions are rested after their bye in the wild-card round and are playing at home. We expect Jared Goff and company to defeat Washington in a shootout, sending Detroit closer to an elusive Super Bowl appearance.”
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Lions 31, Commanders 25
Dragon: “The Commanders won their first playoff game since 2005. Their reward is a trip to Detroit for a meeting against the Lions on Saturday night. Dan Quinn, Jayden Daniels and Bobby Wagner have spearheaded a remarking turnaround for the Commanders. Daniels is on his way to winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He is the fourth rookie quarterback in NFL history to start and win 13 games, including the postseason. However, the Commanders’ magical season will end in the Motor City. I predict the Lions’ physicality upfront will overwhelm Washington. Detroit possessed the sixth-best rushing attack in the NFL, and they will get back David Montgomery to pair with Jahmyr Gibbs. Daniels will give the Lions’ injury-riddle defense fits, but Aaron Glenn’s defensive unit will make just enough stops. Detroit ends Washington’s improbable season.”
Ben Rolfe, Pro Football Network: Lions 30, Commanders 23
Rolfe: “Our metrics give the Lions a 64.6% chance of winning, while the sportsbooks have them with an implied probability of 84.6%. Therefore, our metrics would lean towards the Commanders covering but the Lions winning.”
MORE DETROIT LIONS NEWS
Lions have terrible head-to-head playoff history vs. Commanders
Lions injury updates: David Montgomery, Kevin Zeitler, Terrion Arnold
Lions predicted to select 6’1, 4-INT cornerback as Carlton Davis replacement
