The best Detroit Lions season in franchise history came to a disappointing end at home.
The Lions (15-3) shot themselves in the foot over and over in a 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders (14-5) in the NFC divisional round on Saturday night at Ford Field. The Lions, the NFC No. 1 seed with a first-round bye, had five turnovers and only three defensive stops as Jayden Daniels and the Commanders tore through Detroit’s defense.
Detroit turned it over three times, including an interception returned for a touchdown by Quan Martin, and only produced one defensive stop in the first 30 minutes. Daniels connected on two touchdowns to Terry McLaurin and Zach Ertz and Brian Robinson added a rushing touchdown. Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta and Jameson Williams scored for Detroit, but Jared Goff had two interceptions and a fumble.
The Lions started the second half with a defensive stop and a second Gibbs touchdown. The Commanders answered with a drive lasting over eight minutes which ended with Robinson’s second rushing touchdown. Williams threw an interception on the next drive on a trick play, leading to a Jeremy McNichols touchdown. The Lions had nearly the same yardage as Washington but were minus-five in the turnover margin which proved to be the difference.
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The Lions, who own the NFL’s third-worst record in the playoffs, are now 0-4 against Washington having been outscored 144-61.
The Commanders advance to the NFC championship to play on the road against either the Philadelphia Eagles or Los Angeles Rams, who meet Sunday afternoon.
Check out the recap from Lions-Commanders from Saturday night at Ford Field.
Detroit Lions vs Washington Commanders game recap, highlights
0:25, 4Q: Jared Goff throws 3rd interception
That’ll do it. The Lions got down near scoring range again, but Goff was intercepted by Jeremy Chinn to seal it. The Lions had five turnovers to Washington’s zero.
2:26, 4Q: Zane Gonzalez misses FG; Lions trail 45-31
The Commanders recovered the onside kick and picked up one first down on a play-action pass to John Bates to run a lot of clock and reach field goal range. Gonzalez, however, missed the 44-yard kick that would have made it a three-possession lead again.
5:01, 4Q: Jake Bates hits FG, Lions trail 45-31
The Lions broke out the hurry-up offense and reached the red zone in two minutes, but ran into a wall once there and had to settle for a 28-yard field goal from Jake Bates to cut the deficit to two touchdowns. The Lions could not recover the ensuing onside kick.
7:31, 4Q: Commanders add Jeremy McNichols TD; Lions trail 45-28
That might do it on the Lions season.
The Commanders pounded the rock after the interception and eventually found the end zone on a Jeremy McNichols rushing touchdown to go up by three possessions with less than eight minutes left. The Lions got the Commanders into another fourth-and-2 in the red zone, but Jayden Daniels hit Terry McLaurin on a crossing route to convert.
12:04, 4Q: Jameson Williams throws interception on trick play
The Lions just had a back-breaking mistake on a double-reverse pass. The Lions ran some horizontal trickery and got it to Williams to pass, but the receiver just lofted a jump ball toward Jahmyr Gibbs and Mike Sainristil (Michigan) was in a better position for the pass and came down with his second interception of the game at the Commanders’ 39.
13:29, 4Q: Brian Robinson rushes for 2nd TD; Lions trail 38-28
The Lions had two chances to get a stop on fourth down in their own red zone, but came up empty each time. On fourth-and-2, Terrion Arnold lost contain on a naked bootleg scramble from Jayden Daniels, who eked out just enough yardage for a first. On the next set of downs, the Lions made it fourth-and-1 again, but Stantley Thomas-Oliver did not sub off the field as Trevor Nowaske came on, leading to a 12-man on-the-field penalty and an automatic first down inside the 5. Robinson rumbled in two plays later to go up by 10 again.
6:57, 3Q: Jahmyr Gibbs TD cuts deficit to 31-28
The Lions started the second half exactly how they needed to to get back into this one. The defense took the field first and forced Washington’s first punt of the game. The offense then drove 91 yards on 11 plays, finishing off with an 8-yard touchdown run up the middle by Gibbs. David Montgomery started the drive with two first down runs, and then Amon-Ra St. Brown had a pair of 20 yard catches, including on a shovel pass from Montgomery, to reach the red zone before Gibbs finished the job.
0:22, 2Q: Mike Sainristil intercepts Goff in end zone
Mike Sainristil, a rookie out of the University of Michigan, undercut a deep post intended for Jameson Williams in the end zone for Washington’s second interception and third forced turnover of the first half. The Lions enter halftime down 10 with the Commanders starting the second half with the ball.
History is not on Detroit’s side. Only one team in NFL history has won a playoff game after giving up 30 points or more in the first half (2014 Indianapolis Colts).
1:46, 2Q: Commanders push lead to 31-21 on Zach Ertz TD
The Lions defense has had no answers since the first drive. The Commanders instantly reached scoring range after a 15-yard Jayden Daniels scramble and a 38-yard completion to Dyami Brown, who beat Terrion Arnold on a deep crosser. Three plays later, Daniels found Zach Ertz on a short slant at the goal line to reach 31 first-half points.
4:01, 2Q: Jameson Williams houses a 61-yard reverse to trim deficit to 24-21
Teddy Bridgewater went in at quarterback because Jared Goff took a massive hit from Frankie Luvu on the interception return and had to be evaluated for a concussion. But Bridgewater did not have to throw a pass. He handed it off to Jahmyr Gibbs three times, and on the third carry, Gibbs flipped it to Jameson Williams on a reverse. Williams used his speed to get to the edge and then waved around defenders for an electric 61-yard touchdown.
5:25, 2Q: Quan Martin returns interception for TD; Lions trail 24-14
Things are quickly going awry for the Lions. On Detroit’s second play, Jared Goff tried to fit a pass into a tight window to Tim Patrick on an in-breaker, but the pass sailed on Goff and landed right in the chest of safety Quan Martin. He took off immediately down the right sideline and had a convoy of blockers to convert the pick-six.
6:23, 2Q: Terry McLaurin takes screen 58 yards for TD; Lions trail 17-14
That lead did not last long. On the Commanders’ third offensive play, Jayden Daniels threw a screen left to McLaurin, who split a pair of tackles and stiff-armed Kerby Joseph to break free for a 59-yard touchdown.
7:44, 2Q: Sam LaPorta ridiculous TD catch gives Lions 14-10 lead
The Lions re-took the lead on a spectacular, one-handed diving catch by tight end Sam LaPorta in the back of the end zone after Jared Goff extended the play in the pocket and released the pass as he was getting hit in the legs.
The Lions started the drive by converting third-and-3 with a 34-yard completion to Amon-Ra St. Brown along the sideline on a slot fade. Then Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 12 yards and Kalif Raymond had a 15-yard pickup on a screen to set up LaPorta’s touchdown.
10:55, 2Q: Commanders take 10-7 lead on Brian Robinson TD
Washington turned the fumble into a touchdown for their first lead of the night. On the first play of the drive, Jayden Daniels hit Dyami Brown on a fade for a 42-yard gain to reach Detroit territory. Washington converted on fourth down on the next set of downs with a short completion to Zach Ertz to get inside the 5-yard line, and then they got a fresh set of downs from the 2 because of a pass interference on Kerby Joseph in the end zone. Two plays later, Robinson rumbled in for the touchdown. Washington offensive lineman Sam Cosmi got hurt on the play and was carted to the locker room.
0:55, 1Q: Dorance Armstrong strip sacks Jared Goff; Frankie Luvu recovers
The Lions moved into Commanders territory with ease again thanks to a 33-yard run from Jahmyr Gibbs. But, Detroit coughed it up on the next set of downs. Dorance Armstrong got pressure off the left side on third-and-1 from Washington’s 17 and hit Jared Goff’s arm before he could throw to force a fumble which Frankie Luvu recovered.
3:50, 1Q: Commanders hit FG; Lions lead 7-3
The Commanders moved it into Detroit territory again, but Kindle Vildor smacked the ball out of Dyami Brown’s hands on third-and-10 to force Washington to settle for a 47-yard field goal from Zane Gonzalez. Terry McLaurin and Jamison Crowder both had first-down catches on the drive and Brian Robinson had a 14-yard run to reach field goal range.
7:36, 1Q: Lions take 7-0 lead on Jahmyr Gibbs TD
Detroit quickly moved on from the three-and-out and scored on a goal-line counter run from Jahmyr Gibbs, who followed a pulling Christian Mahogany for an untouched 1-yard touchdown. The Lions drove 71 yards in seven plays, starting with a 19-yard completion to Jameson Williams followed by a 15-yard run and 23-yard catch by Gibbs to reach the red zone in three plays. Gibbs and David Montgomery combined for the next 10 yards to set up the touchdown.
10:38, 1Q: Lions stuff QB sneak on 4th down
The Lions offense went nowhere and punted after three plays in a slow start.
Washington quickly moved into Lions territory with a 24-yard completion to Austin Ekeler, but soon faced a third-and-14 after a false start. Jamison Crowder picked up 13 yards to set up a fourth-and-1. The Commanders brought on backup quarterback Marcus Mariota for a quarterback sneak, but Al-Quadin Muhammad shot a gap and took him down in the backfield for a turnover on downs at the Detroit 29-yard line.
Commanders win coin toss and defer
The Commanders won the coin toss and deferred to the second half, meaning the Lions will receive the opening kickoff and take the field first on offense.
David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs both introduced as starters
The Lions had one extra player announced during their offensive starters, which was either one of Gibbs or Montgomery, who ran out back-to-back. The crowd let out a massive roar for Montgomery, who has not played in a month.
LiAngelo Ball at Ford Field
One of the hottest music artists in the world right now, rapper LiAngelo Ball, is in the building rocking Honolulu blue from head to toe. Earlier today, a Commanders reporter shared a video of him rapping in an empty Ford Field, potentially hinting at a performance of “Tweaker” at some point tonight.
Barry Sanders headlines Michigan celebrities on sideline
There are a lot of big names in the building tonight. Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders is here after arriving in a custom Ford Mustang. Calvin Johnson and actors Keegan-Michael Key and Dax Shepard are among some of the other notables on the sidelines for warmups.
Lions inactive: Bridgewater at backup QB; David Montgomery officially back
The Lions made a switch at backup quarterback. In the pregame inactive list, Hendon Hooker was listed as the emergency third quarterback, meaning Teddy Bridgewater will be the backup quarterback for the first time. As expected, David Montgomery is back in the lineup from his MCL injury.
Lions arrive to Ford Field in style
Whether it was Amon-Ra St. Brown’s racing jacket or Za’Darius Smith’s long fur coat, the Detroit Lions wore their best to show up to Ford Field in style.
Lions tailgate scene includes Dan Campbell look-alikes
We’ve been tracking the party in downtown Detroit as fans get set for the playoff game, and we found Campbell’s doppelgangers. There is also a large security presence outside Ford Field. Temperatures are around 30 degrees a few hours before kickoff in the dome.
Lions vs Commanders divisional round pregame notes
The Lions are trying to make it back to a second consecutive NFC championship game. Last year, the Lions blew a 17-point halftime lead to the San Francisco 49ers to come up just short of reaching their first Super Bowl.
The Commanders are trying to reach their first conference championship since 1991, where they beat the Lions 41-10 on their way to winning Super Bowl 26.
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The week off did wonders for the Lions, who will have running back David Montgomery returning to the lineup after he suffered a sprained MCL in Week 15. The Lions didn’t miss a beat without him because of Jahmyr Gibbs’ electric finish, averaging 121 rushing yards per game in the final three weeks. But, the Lions will have their “tone-setter” back as head coach Dan Campbell described Montgomery this week.
The Lions set a franchise record for wins and combined the league’s highest-scoring offense (33.2 points per game) with an opportunistic defense that is finally starting to get a bit healthier after having more than a dozen players on injured reserve a month ago.
The Commanders have been one of the best stories in football this season. Under new ownership, Washington reshaped the leadership by appointing Adam Peters as general manager and Dan Quinn as head coach along with finding a new franchise quarterback in Daniels at No. 2 overall in the 2024 draft.
What channel is Lions vs Commanders?
TV channel: Fox (Ch. 2 in Detroit).
Streaming: Fubo (sign up for free trial).
Radio: WXYT-FM (97.1) in Detroit (find all Lions radio affiliates).
Lions vs Commanders start time
Date: Saturday, Jan. 18.
Time: 8:10 p.m. ET.
Where: Ford Field, Detroit.
Lions vs Commanders prediction
Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press: Of their four potential divisional playoff matchups, this was the best for the Lions. Daniels is a star in the making and has come up clutch in big moments this year, but he’s flanked by an average offensive cast and is a rookie heading into the most hostile environment in football. The Commanders won’t be a pushover. They’re well-coached and have a formidable front seven. But I don’t see the Lions losing in front of what should be a deafening crowd at Ford Field.
Goff can’t turn the ball over like he did against Houston in November or Minnesota earlier this month. But Gibbs is a big play waiting to happen against the Commanders’ porous rush defense, and the Lions are loose and determined not to repeat last year’s playoff heartbreak. Pick: Lions 30, Commanders 17.
Lions vs Commanders divisional round betting odds
- Spread: Lions (-9).
- Over/under: 55½ points.
- Moneyline: Lions (-550), Commanders (+400).
Game lines provided by BetMGM, updated pregame Saturday.
Lions vs Commanders injury report
Lions: Right guard Kevin Zeitler is out with a hamstring injury he picked up late in the Week 18 win over Minnesota. Rookie guard Christian Mahogany will make his second career start. Defensive lineman Pat O’Connor, who hurt his calf in Week 18, is out as is rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who has been on injured reserve.
Commanders: Backup linebacker Jordan Magee is out with a hamstring injury, while linebacker Mykal Walker (illness) and tight end Colson Yankoff (hamstring) are questionable. Linebacker Bobby Wagner (foot) missed two practices this week, but will be available Saturday.
Detroit Lions 2024 schedule
Sunday, Sept. 8: Los Angeles Rams, W 26-20 (1-0)
Sunday, Sept. 15: Tampa Bay, L 20-16 (1-1)
Sunday, Sept. 22: at Arizona, W 20-13 (2-1)
Monday, Sept. 30: Seattle, W 42-29 (3-1)
Oct. 6: Bye
Sunday, Oct. 13: at Dallas, W 47-9 (4-1)
Sunday, Oct. 20: at Minnesota, W 31-29 (5-1)
Sunday, Oct. 27: Tennessee, W 52-14 (6-1)
Sunday, Nov. 3: at Green Bay, W 24-14 (7-1)
Sunday, Nov. 10: at Houston, W 26-23 (8-1)
Sunday, Nov. 17: Jacksonville, W 52-6 (9-1)
Sunday, Nov. 24: at Indianapolis, W 24-6 (10-1)
Thursday, Nov. 28: Chicago, W 23-20 (11-1)
Thursday, Dec. 5: Green Bay, W 34-31 (12-1)
Sunday, Dec. 15: Buffalo, L 48-42 (12-2)
Sunday, Dec. 22: at Chicago, W 34-17 (13-2)
Monday, Dec. 30: at San Francisco, W 40-34 (14-2)
Sunday, Jan. 5: Minnesota, W 31-9 (15-2)
Saturday, Jan 18: Washington in the divisional round.
Sunday, Jan. 26: NFC championship game.
Sunday, Feb 9: Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
How to buy NFCG tickets for Ford Field
Jared Ramsey is a sports reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Follow Jared on X @jared_ramsey22, and email him at[email protected].
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