NFL Playoffs: Detroit Lions Vs. Washington Commanders Opening Odds For NFC Divisional Round

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Written By Brett Gibbons | Last Updated
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The NFC’s top seed, the Detroit Lions (15-2), take on the Washington Commanders (12-5) in the NFC divisional round of the NFL playoffs. Opening odds at DraftKings Sportsbook lined the Lions as 8.5-point favorites over the Commanders, and the total opened at 55.5 points. Before the divisional round was set, the Lions led Super Bowl odds to win the organization’s first such title. Securing the bye was a massive win for Detroit, which is nursing several injuries to its starting roster, particularly on defense.

Commanders at Lions kicks off Saturday at 8 p.m. ET from Ford Field in Detroit. Catch the game on Fox. Keep up to date with TheLines for picks, props, and parlays throughout the NFL playoffs.

Commanders at Lions Opening Odds: NFC Divisional Round

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Last Updated on 01.12.2025

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Commanders Visits Lions in NFC Divisional Showdown

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Despite a rash of injuries to the defense, the Lions overcame and won a franchise-best 15 games. They scored at least 30 points in each of their final five games, winning four to secure the NFC’s top seed. Following the loss of David Montgomery to injury, Jahmyr Gibbs exploded for nine touchdowns over those last five games (four total in Week 18 as the lone Bellcow). The hyper-efficient offense (ranked No. 1 in the NFL in success rate) offsets a defense that fell from No. 2 in EPA/play from Weeks 1-11 to 23rd in Weeks 12-18.

Washington secured its first playoff win since 2005 (coincidentally also at the Buccaneers). Zane Gonzales doinked in the game-winner, capping off a heroic drive led by dynamic rookie Jayden Daniels. When the Bucs took away the run, the Commanders turned fully to Daniels, who completed 24 of 35 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns; he was also the leading rusher with just 36 yards. Daniels’ ability to convert late downs led to Washington controlling the ball for over 10 minutes longer than Tampa. Baker Mayfield attempted just 18 passes in the game.

While holding Detroit to just three second-half possessions is undoubtedly a recipe for success, that’s a difficult feat to repeat. The Commanders benefitted from a fumble on the Buccaneers’ second drive, leading to the go-ahead touchdown. Washington also benefitted from receiving the second-half kick, having two more possessions than Tampa. Look for the Commanders to attempt this strategy twice against the Lions’ top-ranked offense in EPA in the NFC.

The winner of this game will play the winner from the game between the Eagles and Rams/Vikings.

NFL Divisional Round MATCHUPS

  • Saturday, Jan. 18, 4:30 p.m. EST: Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs (ESPN)
  • Saturday, Jan. 18, 8:00 p.m. EST: Commanders at Detroit Lions (Fox)
  • Sunday, Jan. 19, 3:00 p.m. EST: Rams at Eagles (CBS)
  • Sunday, Jan. 19, 6:30 p.m. EST: Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills (NBC)

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Photo by Ed Zurga, Associated Press

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