Detroit Lions vs Washington Commanders Prediction & Picks - NFL

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Detroit Lions
1/18/25 20:00
Washington Commanders

Prediction:

 

Commanders (+9) to win

 

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 by Simon Day | in NFL Picks

The NFC number one seed Detroit Lions get their playoff campaign underway with a home tie against the sixth seed Washington Commanders on Saturday night. The Lions finished the regular season with a superb 15-2 record, good enough to secure not only the NFC North title, but also a first round playoff bye. The Commanders have had a much trickier route to the Divisional Round. They needed a last gasp field goal from Zane Gonzalez to get past the Bucs on Wild Card weekend, after finishing the regular season in second place in the NFC East. Saturday's game will be the Commanders' first appearance in the Divisional Round in 20 years.

Detroit Lions vs Washington Commanders Form

Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders Latest Matches

Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions Latest matches
W W L W W W
Victories

5/6 (83%)

Defeats

1/6 (17%)

Jan 5, 2025 - NFL

Detroit Lions
31 :  9
Minnesota Vikings

Dec 30, 2024 - NFL

San Francisco 49ers
34 :  40
Detroit Lions

Dec 22, 2024 - NFL

Chicago Bears
17 :  34
Detroit Lions

Dec 15, 2024 - NFL

Detroit Lions
42 :  48
Buffalo Bills

Dec 5, 2024 - NFL

Detroit Lions
34 :  31
Green Bay Packers

Nov 28, 2024 - NFL

Detroit Lions
23 :  20
Chicago Bears
W W W W L W
Victories

5/6 (83%)

Defeats

1/6 (17%)

Jan 5, 2025 - NFL

Detroit Lions
31 :  9
Minnesota Vikings

Dec 15, 2024 - NFL

Detroit Lions
42 :  48
Buffalo Bills

Dec 5, 2024 - NFL

Detroit Lions
34 :  31
Green Bay Packers

Nov 28, 2024 - NFL

Detroit Lions
23 :  20
Chicago Bears

Nov 17, 2024 - NFL

Detroit Lions
52 :  6
Jacksonville Jaguars

Oct 27, 2024 - NFL

Detroit Lions
52 :  14
Tennessee Titans
W W W W W W
Victories

6/6 (100%)

Defeats

0/6 (0%)

Dec 30, 2024 - NFL

San Francisco 49ers
34 :  40
Detroit Lions

Dec 22, 2024 - NFL

Chicago Bears
17 :  34
Detroit Lions

Nov 24, 2024 - NFL

Indianapolis Colts
6 :  24
Detroit Lions

Nov 10, 2024 - NFL

Houston Texans
23 :  26
Detroit Lions

Nov 3, 2024 - NFL

Green Bay Packers
14 :  24
Detroit Lions

Oct 20, 2024 - NFL

Minnesota Vikings
29 :  31
Detroit Lions
Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders Latest matches
W W W W W W
Victories

6/6 (100%)

Defeats

0/6 (0%)

Jan 12, 2025 - NFL

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
20 :  23
Washington Commanders

Jan 5, 2025 - NFL

Dallas Cowboys
19 :  23
Washington Commanders

Dec 29, 2024 - NFL

Washington Commanders
30 :  24
Atlanta Falcons

Dec 22, 2024 - NFL

Washington Commanders
36 :  33
Philadelphia Eagles

Dec 15, 2024 - NFL

New Orleans Saints
19 :  20
Washington Commanders

Dec 1, 2024 - NFL

Washington Commanders
42 :  19
Tennessee Titans
W L L W W W
Victories

4/6 (67%)

Defeats

2/6 (33%)

Dec 29, 2024 - NFL

Washington Commanders
30 :  24
Atlanta Falcons

Dec 22, 2024 - NFL

Washington Commanders
36 :  33
Philadelphia Eagles

Dec 1, 2024 - NFL

Washington Commanders
42 :  19
Tennessee Titans

Nov 24, 2024 - NFL

Washington Commanders
26 :  34
Dallas Cowboys

Nov 10, 2024 - NFL

Washington Commanders
27 :  28
Pittsburgh Steelers

Oct 27, 2024 - NFL

Washington Commanders
18 :  15
Chicago Bears
L W L W W W
Victories

4/6 (67%)

Defeats

2/6 (33%)

Jan 12, 2025 - NFL

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
20 :  23
Washington Commanders

Jan 5, 2025 - NFL

Dallas Cowboys
19 :  23
Washington Commanders

Dec 15, 2024 - NFL

New Orleans Saints
19 :  20
Washington Commanders

Nov 14, 2024 - NFL

Philadelphia Eagles
26 :  18
Washington Commanders

Nov 3, 2024 - NFL

New York Giants
22 :  27
Washington Commanders

Oct 13, 2024 - NFL

Baltimore Ravens
30 :  23
Washington Commanders

Detroit Lions - Washington Commanders: Form Analysis

The Lions division-clinching 31-9 victory over the Vikings in Week 18 not only secured the NFC North title but also meant they finished as number one seeds in the NFC. Their 15-2 record includes 14 wins from their final 15 games, and they go into the postseason as the bookmakers' favorites for the Super Bowl. Key to their success has been the form of QB Jared Goff, who has enjoyed arguably the finest season of his nine year career. Alongside him, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, plus receivers Amon-Ra St Brown and Jameson Williams have also produced at an elite level throughout the campaign. On defense, safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph have been standouts, whilst DJ Reader and Jack have also produced Pro Bowl caliber years. 

Washington's star player this season has been rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

The first year man has produced a string of elite displays, belying his lack of experience and helping the Commanders defy the odds to reach the playoffs. WR Terry McLaurin has also excelled on offense, whilst the Washington defense has been led by the likes of Dante Fowler (10.5 sacks) and Bobby Wagner (132 tackles). 

Detroit Lions & Washington Commanders Squad Analysis

The Commanders' midweek injury report revealed that several key players had been excused from practice in order to rest up after suffering minor knocks during the Wild Card game. The likes of Dante Fowler, Jamison Crowder, Zach Ertz and Bobby Wagner all missed Wednesday's practice session, but all are expected to be fit for Sunday. 

Meanwhile, the Lions will welcome star RB David Montgomery back into their starting lineup after he came through midweek practice unscathed. However, guard Kevin Zeitler (hamstring) did not participate in the session and his status for Saturday is questionable. 

Detroit Lions - Washington Commanders Key Points

  1. Washington are on a 6 game winning run
  2. Washington have not lost by over 8 points since Week One of the season
  3. 4 of Detroit's last 6 games have been decided by one score
  4. Washington lead the head-to-head 31-16

Our Detroit Lions vs Washington Commanders Prediction

This is a huge task for the Commanders, but Jayden Daniels has defied expectations all season and we think he can produce some more magic on Saturday. The Lions are clearly the stronger team, but their lengthy injury list (especially on defense) is a big cause for concern, especially on defense. Because of that, we are predicting this to be a very close game, and whilst the Lions may just have enough quality to win, we think Washington will comfortably beat the spread. Our prediction for Detroit Lions vs Washington Commanders is: Commanders (+9) to win.

Prediction:

 

Commanders (+9) to win

 

Detroit Lions vs Washington Commanders - Other Interesting Picks

Terry McLaurin first touchdown scorer

Odds +1050
With 14 TDs in 18 combined postseason and regular season games this year, the McLaurin/Daniels duo has been red hot. Given the status of the Lions' secondary heading into this match, we should expect to see some action from this duo.

All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.

Detroit Lions vs Washington Commanders Picks