The NFL divisional round begins Saturday, and that includes the first NFC matchup of the weekend. The Lions are looking to continue their dream season as they are set to host the Commanders in Detroit. 

The Lions are coming off the best regular season in their franchise’s history. Detroit’s 15-2 record is the best in the NFC this season and tied with the Chiefs for the best in the league.

Detroit enters the game with strong units on both offense and defense, with quarterback Jared Goff leading the way. Goff totaled 4,629 passing yards in 17 games this year, along with a career-high 37 passing touchdowns. Additionally, the Lions’ offense is full of explosive weapons, including Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta.

Running back David Montgomery suffered a knee injury in December, ending his regular season and putting his status for the playoffs up-in-the-air. However, Montgomery was a full participant in practice this week and appears ready to return in this game.

STREAM: Watch Lions vs. Commanders live with Fubo (free trial)

On the other sideline, the Commanders represent the NFL’s biggest surprise of the season. At 12-5, Washington had its best regular season since 1991, and beat the Buccaneers last week to win a playoff game for the first time since 2005.

The Commanders’ most important player is quarterback Jayden Daniels, as the rookie has taken the league by storm. Daniels started 17 games this year and totaled 3,568 passing yards with 25 passing touchdowns and a team-high 891 rushing yards for six rushing touchdowns. He is the favorite to be name this year’s offensive rookie of the year and will be a handful for Detroit’s defense.

Besides Daniels, the Commanders offense includes veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin while Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler represent a potent running game. 

Lions vs. Commanders live score

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Lions vs. Commanders highlights from 2025 NFL playoff game

7:39 p.m.: Jayden Daniels and Tom Brady shared a conversation on the field before the game.

.@JayD__5 🤝 @TomBrady pic.twitter.com/YghpGi0CHZ

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 18, 2025

7:13 p.m.: Lions legend Barry Sanders is in attendance for one of the biggest games in franchise history.

🐐@BarrySanders pic.twitter.com/2x2k5NKRn1

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 18, 2025

6:53 p.m.: As for the Lions, running back David Montgomery is officially active after missing the end of the season, with a knee injury while starting guard Kevin Zeitler is inactive.

#WASvsDET inactives presented by Henry Ford Health pic.twitter.com/vfaKVjmKBO

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 18, 2025

6:43 p.m.: The Commanders released their inactives for the game, and there are no surprises.

#WASvsDET inactives

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 18, 2025

6:23 p.m.: Meanwhile, the Lions have their own hometowns star on their side with Devin Booker.

For the hometown team.@Lions | #OnePride pic.twitter.com/fH5cbQo6n2

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 18, 2025

6:11 p.m.: Amon-Ra St. Brown arrives at Ford Field with his hair dyed blue for the playoffs.

Amon-Ra rocking the Lions blue hair 🔵

📺: #WASvsDET — 8:00pm ET on FOX
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/5msq7O55E9

— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2025

5:50 p.m.: The Commanders, meanwhile, have a some stars on their side, including Kevin Durant and Alex Ovechkin.

KD reppin’ the Commanders!#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/bKV67yEJrz

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 18, 2025

O HAIL YA#RaiseHail x #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/1sXECMbe8P

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 18, 2025

5:35 p.m.: The Lions’ dream season continues with their first postseason game tonight, as Detroit has home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁#WeWantMore pic.twitter.com/NiHx35uptn

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 18, 2025

Lions vs. Commanders start time

• Date: Saturday, January 18
• Time: 8 p.m. ET

Detroit and Washington will face off in the second game of the weekend, as they get the primetime slot on Saturday night. Kickoff will be around 8 p.m. ET, following the first playoff game of the weekend between the Chiefs and Texans.

What channel is Lions vs. Commanders on today?

• TV channel: Fox
• Streaming: Fubo (U.S) | DAZN (Canada)

Fox will get the broadcast of this NFC divisional matchup over the weekend, meaning Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady are on the call, as this will be the lone game on Fox this weekend.

For those looking, Fubo is an option for U.S. viewers and is offering a free trial. Additionally, DAZN is a streaming option for Canadian viewers.

NFL playoff schedule 2025

Divisional round

Saturday, Jan. 18

Sunday, Jan. 19

Conference championships

Sunday, Jan. 26

Super Bowl 59

Sunday, Feb. 9