Expert prediction
Commanders vs. Lions NFC Divisional Round Preview, Odds, Prediction (Jan 18)
- Nikola Velickovic
- Jan 13, 2025 at 12:04 PM EST
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Commanders vs. Lions matchup is broadcast on FOX.
- Washington beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round, 23-20.
- Detroit Lions won the first seed in the NFC.
Both teams are in excellent shape, with the Commanders posting five straight wins and the Lions ending the year with 16 triumphs and just two losses. This will be a battle between two high-octane offenses with a relentless scoring pace.
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How to Watch
- When: Saturday, January 18, 8 pm ET
- Where: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
- Where to Watch: FOX
Commanders vs. Lions Odds
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Commanders | +500 | +8 | 55.5 |
| Detroit Lions | -800 | -8 | 55.5 |
Game Preview
The Commanders eliminated the Buccaneers on the road in Tampa Bay, winning 23-20. Zane Gonzalez hit a 51-yard field goal for a walk-off the field and the franchise’s first playoff win since 2006.
And yes, it is because of Jayden Daniels, who’ll almost certainly win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. This guy turned the entire franchise upside down. Against the Bucks, he had 268 yards and two touchdown passes, plus he ran for 36 yards more.
Doink you very much. #Commanders win and advance to play the #Lions. pic.twitter.com/XKy7erf7b7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 13, 2025
On the other hand, the Lions suffered plenty of injuries throughout the season but haven’t slowed down. For a moment, many believed they would fall following the loss to the Bills in Week 15, but that didn’t happen.
They went on to beat the Bears, the 49ers on the road, and the Vikings at home, scoring 105 points in these three games. Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 365 in these three contests alone. So all of their top weapons are working right.
Commanders vs. Lions Head-to-Head
The two franchises haven’t met in the 2024 regular season. Overall, they had 44 clashes, and the team from Washington has 28 wins, while the Lions won 16 matches.
Commanders vs. Lions Prediction
Washington is in excellent shape and has one of the most fluid and adaptable teams in the NFL. However, the Lions are monsters on the offensive side of the ball, and they play at home, too. Instead of betting on the hosts to win, we will pick OVER 55.5 points because of all that was said in the previous part of the preview. It’s much safer to bet OVER than to pick the winner, despite the Lions being strong favorites here. Don’t forget both of their losses this year were in Detroit.
- Free NFL Playoffs pick: Over 55.5 points
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