Lions Face Commanders in High-Stakes Divisional Playoff Showdown

DETROIT, Mich. — The Detroit Lions, fresh off a franchise-best 15-2 season, are set to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round on Saturday night at Ford Field. The Lions, riding high after securing the NFC’s No. 1 seed, are aiming to advance to their first NFC Championship Game since 1991.

Head Coach Dan Campbell emphasized the importance of staying focused on the task at hand. “We’re in the middle of the circus, man, and it’s about time to perform,” Campbell said during a press conference on Monday. “This is nothing new for us. We’ve been through the ups and downs, and now it’s time to deliver.”

The Lions’ resurgence under Campbell has been remarkable. After a dismal 3-13-1 record in 2021, the team has posted three consecutive winning seasons, culminating in their first back-to-back division titles in the Super Bowl era. This season, Detroit defeated six playoff-bound teams, with their only losses coming against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills, both of whom also made the postseason.

Washington, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, presents a formidable challenge. The Commanders are riding a six-game winning streak, including a dramatic Wild Card victory over the Buccaneers last week. Daniels, who has been a revelation this season, poses a dual threat with his arm and legs. “He’s dangerous, he poses a major threat,” Campbell said. “He doesn’t play like a rookie. He’s composed, he’s a dangerous runner, and he’s got weapons around him.”

The Lions will also welcome back running back David Montgomery, who missed time due to injury but is expected to play a key role on Saturday. “He’s a tone-setter,” Campbell said. “There’ll be a place for him in this game, so it’ll be good to get him back.”

Campbell stressed the importance of executing in critical moments, especially in the playoffs. “I showed the team snapshots of what happened in every game this weekend,” he said. “You look at what could have cost a team—whether it’s a drop, a penalty, or a situation—and that’s what the playoffs are. It’s about that one extra play, just doing your job in the heat of the moment.”

The Lions’ defense, led by coordinator Aaron Glenn, will be tasked with containing Daniels and the Commanders’ dynamic offense. “Running quarterbacks are hard to defend,” Campbell acknowledged. “But we’ve got a plan, and we’ll execute it.”

Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, with the winner advancing to the NFC Championship Game. For the Lions, the stakes couldn’t be higher as they seek to continue their historic season.