(CBS DETROIT) — Ford Field is sure to be an electric atmosphere as the top-seeded Detroit Lions host the Washington Commanders in the divisional round of the playoffs Saturday night.
As the NFC’s No. 1 seed, the Lions enjoyed a bye during the wild-card round.
The No. 6 seed Commanders are coming off a 23-20 upset over the No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their first playoff victory in 19 years. Rookie sensation Jayden Daniels was 24 of 35 for 268 yards and two touchdowns.
The last time Detroit and Washington met in the playoffs was during the 1999 season. Washington won that game 27-13.
The Commanders pass defense has allowed the fewest completions per game (17.9) and the third-fewest passing yards per game (189.5) in the NFL. Lions quarterback Jared Goff says he recognizes how tough the challenge will be for him and the rest of the offense.
“Every team we’re going to play is going to be a tough matchup and Washington is obviously no different,” Goff said. “They’re a hell of a team. They won 12 games, just won a tough game on the road against a good Tampa team that beat us. We’ve got our hands full.”
Running back David Montgomery is expected to play for the first time in just over a month. Montgomery suffered a knee injury in Week 15’s loss to the Buffalo Bills, but avoided surgery. His counterpart, Jahmyr Gibbs, has run for more than 100 yards in three straight games for the first time in his career. Montgomery and Gibbs averaged a comibned 138.5 yards rushing during the regular season.
The winner of Saturday’s game will move on to the NFC Championship and face the winner of Sunday’s matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams.
Injuries
Lions
Lions right guard Kevin Zeitler has been ruled out with a hamstring injury that he suffered during the team’s regular-season finale on Jan. 5 against the Minnesota Vikings. Rookie lineman Christian Mahogany will start in his place.
Defensive lineman Pat O’Connor has also been ruled out.
Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is questionable with a hamstring injury and illness, according to the team. He was limited in practice on Thursday.
Running back David Montgomery is expected to play for the first time in just over a month. Montgomery suffered a knee injury in Week 15’s loss to the Buffalo Bills, but avoided surgery.
Commanders
Linebacker Jordan Magee has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Linebacker Mykal Walker and tight end Colson Yankoff are both questionable to play, according to the team.
Bobby Wagner, linebacker, is set to play after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday.
Kickoff is at 8 p.m. Look below for live updates.
