Commanders vs Lions Expert Predictions for NFC Divisional Round Clash in NFL Playoffs

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The Divisional Round of the 2024-25 NFL Playoffs begins on Saturday with both No. 1 seeds getting their first taste of action this postseason.

First, the Houston Texans head to Kansas City to face the defending two-time champion Chiefs.

Then, the Washington Commanders will look to keep their dream season alive against the top-seeded Detroit Lions.

The staff at Newsweek Sports has predictions for both games. Click here for predictions on Texans vs. Chiefs. Continue reading for predictions on Commanders vs. Lions.

Read more: Texans vs Chiefs Expert Predictions for AFC Divisional Round Battle in NFL Playoffs

Noah Camras: The Commanders upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a last-second field goal in the Wild Card Round, and seem to be playing with house money at this point. While they'll put up a fight against the Lions, the high-powered Detroit offense will be way too much for them to overcome. For more on my prediction, click here.

Read more: NFL Divisional Round Predictions for All Four Games

Prediction: Lions 31, Commanders 22

Sean Treppedi: It's been four years since Washington was in the playoffs and everyone can't seem to forget it. The Commanders entering Saturday's divisional game as 9.5-point underdogs against the Lions is just flat-out disrespectful considering the abilities quarterback Jayden Daniels has shown to perform in the clutch no matter the opponent. I'm looking for a fight from the Commanders in what should be a playoff shootout with the high-octane Detroit offense.

Prediction: Lions 33, Commanders 30

Valentina Martinez: Although the Commanders have had a remarkable season led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, Washington's journey will come to an end on Saturday. The Lions are the class of the NFC and have overcome too much adversity to fall short in the divisional round.

Prediction: Lions 34, Commanders 21

Matt Levine: Jayden Daniels has put the entire Commanders organization on his back and it's worked out very well so far. However, there is a reason why rookie quarterbacks tend to not do overly well come playoff time. The magic of Daniels has been electric but the buck stops here. Detroit is one of the best teams in the NFL and will do what it can to limit Daniels. The Lions advance back to the NFC Title Game for the second straight season.

Prediction: Lions 30, Commanders 17

Jeremy Hanna: Jayden Daniels and the Commanders proved that they could make big moments happen when they need to last week against the Buccaneers and really all season long. Meanwhile, the Lions are known as one of the toughest teams in the NFL and have proved themselves time and time again. This is going to be a high-scoring and close game, but Detroit will come out on top.

Prediction: Lions 34, Commanders 31