The Detroit Lions (15-2) are set to host the Washington Commanders (13-5) in the NFC Divisional Round at Ford Field. The Lions’ offense, coordinated by Ben Johnson, has been prolific, with quarterback Jared Goff surpassing 4,700 passing yards this season. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs has been instrumental, contributing significantly to Detroit’s sixth-ranked rushing attack. This ground game is poised to exploit the Commanders’ run defense, which ranks 30th in the league, allowing an average of 137.5 rushing yards per game.

The Commanders, under head coach Dan Quinn, have revitalized their performance, highlighted by a 23-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round, marking their first playoff win in nearly two decades. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels showcased his dual-threat capabilities, throwing for 225 yards and a touchdown while adding 65 rushing yards on 10 attempts. Defensively, veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner will play a pivotal role in containing the Lions’ dynamic running game, as he leads the team with 124 tackles this season. With Wagner anchoring the defense, the Commanders look to improve their run-stopping capabilities. The spread has narrowed to 7.5 points in favor of Detroit, reflecting increased confidence in Washington’s ability to compete in this high-stakes matchup.