The stage is set for a thrilling showdown as the Detroit Lions host the Washington Commanders in the AFC Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs.
The Lions boast a high-powered offense which can seemingly score at will, while the Commanders look to build on their last-minute victory in the Wild Card round.
DAZN News breaks down three key factors which could prove decisive in the matchup.
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Detroit Lions vs. Washington Commanders - Saturday Jan 11; 8pm ET / 1am GMT (Sunday) / 2am CET (Sunday)
Detroit Lions rushing attack vs Washington Commanders run defense
The Lions’ offense can beat opponents in multiple ways, but the outcome of this matchup will be determined by whether the Commanders’ run defense can contain Lions’ running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Gibbs has emerged as one of the most dynamic players in the NFL after compiling 1412 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground.
Montgomery, who missed the Lions’ last three games with a knee injury, returns to the lineup hoping to build on his 775 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.
Gibbs and Montgomery will undoubtedly feature heavily against a Commanders’ defense that ranked 27th in rushing yards allowed to opposition teams.
They managed to limit the Buccaneers’ Bucky Irving to 77 yards in the Wild Card round, but they will have to be even better in this game if the Commanders are to make it competitive.
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The composure of Jayden Daniels
In only his rookie year, Daniels has taken the NFL by storm, quickly becoming one of the more feared dual-threat quarterbacks.
His 891 rushing yards ranked second among all quarterbacks. Daniels also proved surprisingly efficient through the air, accounting for 25 passing touchdowns and only nine interceptions.
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Daniels was instrumental in the Commanders’ victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round, becoming the first rookie quarterback to lead his team in passing and rushing in a playoff win.
It is asking a lot of Daniels, but the only way the Commanders can win this game is if he remains calm under pressure in the most important game of his career.
Jared Goff’s and the Lions’ wide receivers vs Commanders’ pass defense
The Commanders boasted one of the best pass defenses in 2024, allowing the third-fewest yards per game.
Their achievements in this respect are even more impressive, considering they didn’t have an elite performer at cornerback or safety.
However, Lions quarterback Jared Goff is playing at an extremely high level, and the sheer number of dangerous pass catchers on the Lions’ roster makes this the Commanders’ most challenging test to date.
Pro Bowl Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is Goff’s favourite target, ending the regular season ranked fifth among all wideouts with 1263 yards and third with 12 touchdowns.
Grant Halverson/Getty Images
Speedster Jameson Williams provided the perfect complement and enjoyed a breakout year, eclipsing 1000 yards for the first time in his career.
Tight end Sam LaPorta came on strong toward the end of the year and should also be heavily involved.
Limiting the Lions’ pass offense has been almost impossible for every team the Lions have faced this season. The Commanders face an uphill task.
Conclusion
The Lions are strong favourites to win convincingly after finishing as the top seed in the NFC despite suffering injuries to stars such as Aidan Hutchinson, Alex Anzalone, and Alim McNeill.
It is difficult to look beyond a win for a team capable of weathering losses that would otherwise destroy most NFL teams' postseason ambitions.
Still, if there is one thing the Commanders have taught us in 2024, then it is never to rule them out.
An upset could still be possible, but only if Daniels continues to defy the odds and veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner inspires the Commanders’ defense to perform wonders.
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