(CBS-DETROIT) – Ford Field is sure to be an electric atmosphere when the top-seeded Detroit Lions host the Washington Commanders in the divisional round of the playoffs on Saturday night.
As the NFC’s No. 1 seed, the Lions enjoyed a bye during the wild-card round.
The No. 6 seed is 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 realizes how tough the challenge will be for him and the rest of the offense.
“Every team we play is going to be a tough game and Washington is obviously no different,” Goff said. “They are a great team. They have won 12 games, but just won a tough game against a good team from Tampa that beat us. We have our hands full.”
Run back David Montgomery is expected to play for the first time in just over a month. Montgomery suffered a knee injury in the game Week 15’s loss to the Buffalo Billsbut 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 138.5 yards rushing during the regular season.
The winner of Saturday’s game will advance to the NFC Championship and will face the winner of Sunday’s game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams.
Injuries
Lions
Lion right guard Kevin Zeitler has been ruled out with a hamstring injury he sustained during the team’s games 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 according to the team due to a hamstring injury and illness. He was limited in practice on Thursday.
Run back David Montgomery is expected to play for the first time in just over a month. Montgomery suffered a knee injury in the game Week 15’s loss to the Buffalo Billsbut 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, will play after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday.
The kick-off is at 8 p.m. Check below for live updates.