The 2025 NFL Divisional Round features an exciting matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders, as both teams set their sights on advancing toward the Super Bowl. The Lions, fresh off securing the NFC’s only first-round bye, are poised to host the upstart Commanders, who are coming off a thrilling 23-20 Wild Card Round victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With each team bringing distinct strengths into this contest, there is much anticipation surrounding this clash of high-flying offenses and disciplined defenses.
The Lions, at 15-2, had an impressive season and earned the NFC North title for the second year in a row. They’ve been dominant on their home field, finishing with a 7-2 record at Ford Field. Detroit’s offense has been firing on all cylinders throughout the season, with quarterback Jared Goff leading a balanced attack that features both a potent passing game and a strong rushing unit. The Lions’ defense, though sometimes underrated, has been solid enough to allow the offense to carry them to victory more often than not.
On the other side, the Washington Commanders, at 12-5, have defied expectations in 2024-25. Their late-season surge, culminating in a five-game win streak, has earned them a spot in the Divisional Round. Washington has been a formidable road team this season, finishing with a 5-3 record away from home. Led by a dynamic quarterback in Sam Howell, the Commanders’ offense has become more efficient as the season progressed, with Howell making strides in his second year. Their defense, while not as flashy as some other NFC contenders, has shown the ability to make timely stops and create turnovers, making them a dangerous squad capable of upsetting a top seed.
From a betting perspective, the odds and spread for this matchup reflect the disparity in regular-season records, but the Lions’ vulnerability to high-powered offenses has some analysts wondering if Washington can pull off the upset. Detroit enters as the favorite, with the spread hovering around 6.5 points, indicating that oddsmakers view them as a clear, though not overwhelming, pick. However, Washington’s ability to play tough, especially in close games—evident in their Wild Card win over the Buccaneers—makes them a potential threat to cover the spread or even win outright.
Another interesting betting angle is the total points line, with many expecting a high-scoring game. The over has hit in four of the last five Lions games, and given both teams’ offensive firepower, it’s reasonable to expect that trend to continue. With Howell and Goff both capable of leading their respective teams on sustained drives, there could be plenty of scoring to go around, making the over an appealing option for bettors.
When considering a prediction for the game, many analysts believe that the Lions’ superior overall talent and depth, coupled with their home-field advantage, will be enough to secure a victory. Detroit has shown resilience throughout the season, bouncing back from any setbacks and proving they can handle high-pressure situations. The Commanders will need another standout performance from Howell and their defense, who will have to contain Detroit’s multifaceted offense while also exploiting any weaknesses in the Lions’ secondary.
Despite Washington’s strong late-season play, the Lions’ consistency and balance make them the more reliable pick in this matchup. Detroit’s defense, though not elite, is opportunistic enough to make key stops at critical moments. Their offense, led by Goff and a dynamic array of weapons, will likely prove too much for the Commanders to overcome, especially in a high-stakes playoff atmosphere.
In the end, the Lions are expected to advance, but not without a fight from the Commanders. With a prediction of 31-20 in favor of Detroit, the Lions should cover the spread and advance to the NFC Championship Game, continuing their quest to reach their first-ever Super Bowl. However, bettors looking for value might consider the Commanders to cover the spread, as they’ve shown the ability to keep games close and make a few timely plays when needed. Regardless, the matchup promises to be an exciting and competitive game with plenty of offensive fireworks and playoff intensity.