Following an upset win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL Wild Card Round on Sunday, the Washington Commanders are set to meet the Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs.
Jayden Daniels carried over his impressive rookie season into the postseason, as he completed 24-of-35 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns before Zane Gonzalez doinked in the game-winning field goal as time expired. The victory was Washington's first in the NFL playoffs since 2005.
Here are the opening Commanders vs. Lions odds for the NFL Divisional Round of the playoffs next weekend.
Commanders vs. Lions Odds
| Commanders Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+10 -110 | 54.5 -110o / -110u | +400 |
| Lions Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-10 -110 | 54.5 -110o / -110u | -550 |
- Commanders vs. Lions spread: Commanders +10 (-110) , Lions -10 (-110)
- Commanders vs. Lions total: Over/Under 54.5 points scored
- Commanders vs. Lions moneylines: Commanders +400 , Lions -550
Odds via BetMGM
Commanders vs. Lions Projection
Sean Koerner, Action Network's director of predictive analytics, is delivering us his early projections for every playoff game as each matchup is set.
Koerner projects this spread at Lions -6.5 with the over/under set at 54.5 points scored.
Washington Commanders Preview
By Brandon Anderson
No one expected Washington to make the postseason after a 4-13 season a year ago, but head coach Dan Quinn and rookie QB Jayden Daniels have totally turned things around for this franchise.
Washington has enjoyed memorable late wins over the Bengals, Bears, Eagles and now Buccaneers in an electric season. As for Daniels, he looks set to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Washington overhauled its offensive line with veterans, and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has been creative with the running game all season.
The offense ranked top 10 by DVOA both rushing and passing, and much of that is due to Daniels being so slippery as a runner and also hitting the big play down field. Washington has been especially great on late downs all season offensively.
Quinn’s defense is improving but still needs some work. Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu add veteran stability at linebacker, but the defense largely lacks talent and playmakers and is not really a playoff unit.
Detroit Lions Preview
By Brandon Anderson
It’s been a dream season for the Lions, who became Super Bowl favorites for the first time in the modern era when they reeled off 11 straight wins midseason.
Head coach Dan Campbell’s characteristic aggressiveness has given this team a clear smash-mouth identity. The Lions know who they are and exactly how they’re going to beat you.
These days, that’s usually with offense. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is one of the most creative play callers in the league and has Jared Goff playing MVP-level football.
Detroit has outstanding blocking and a terrific run game featuring the speedy Jahmyr Gibbs, and now the Lions are expected to get David Montgomery back, too.
Jameson Williams has blossomed at WR2 next to Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Lions chew up the clock and move the ball up and down the field, seemingly at will.
And they’re going to have to, because a Detroit defense that ranked among the league’s best for half a season has sadly fallen apart down the stretch, decimated by injuries.
Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill and Carlton Davis are sidelined for the season along with a heap of depth players. The Lions rank near the bottom of the league defensively since the start of December.
For the dream season to end with a Lombardi Trophy, Detroit’s offense needs to play perfect football and win a month of shootouts.
