Commanders vs Lions Predictions: Lions to continue Super Bowl charge

The Detroit Lions host the Washington Commanders at Ford Field on Saturday night (01:00 Sunday morning, live on Sky Sports Main Event) in a monumental Divisional Round match-up.

The Lions are coming off a 15-2 regular season, which secured the top seed in the NFC, while Washington are riding high after a dramatic 23-20 victory over the Buccaneers on Wildcard Weekend. Read on for my Commanders vs Lions prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Pat O'Connor and Kevin Zeitler will both miss out for Detroit due to their respective calf and hamstring injuries, while Ennis Rakestraw is questionable after missing practice earlier in the week.

David Montgomery and Terrion Arnold are both expected to feature on Saturday night, despite their knee and foot problems, and Taylor Decker was a full participant in practice on Thursday, so looks set to suit up.

As for the Commanders, Bobby Wagner will be available for this weekend's contest, despite missing practice on Tuesday and Wednesday with an ankle injury.

Zane Gonzalez, who appeared on the injury report with a hip issue, is expected to feature for Washington, however, Jordan Magee has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Commanders vs Lions Odds

The Lions are heavily favoured to win this one on the moneyline at 2/11, giving them an implied win probability of 84.6%, while the Commanders can be backed at 19/5 straight up.

In terms of the spread, it's currently set at 8.5, and the Lions (-8.5) are 20/23 to cover, while it's 10/11 for Washington (+8.5) to do the same.

The total points line is set at 55.5, with odds of 10/11 available for the under and 20/23 for the over.

Lions -8.5 @ 20/23

I was surprised to see the spread so large for a pivotal play-off tie, but the Lions have been nothing but dominant at home this year. They've won seven of their nine contests at Ford Field, and in convincing fashion too.

Despite Washington's impressive Wildcard win over Tampa Bay, this will surely be a step too far for them, as I don't think they're equipped to handle Detroit's high-powered offence.

The Lions led the NFL with an average of 33.2 points per game in the regular season and quarterback Jared Goff has been a vital cog in the offensive machine, throwing for 4,629 yards and 37 touchdowns.

In addition, the Lions have had a week's rest after their first-round bye, while the Commanders could still be feeling some aches and pains from that gruelling contest with the Buccs.

It's difficult to see anything other than a convincing victory for the Lions and with home advantage on their side, I'm backing them to cover the spread here.

Jahmyr Gibbs to score the first touchdown @ 4/1

Gibbs has been excellent for Detroit this term, providing explosive plays for the offensive unit.

He's scored a rushing touchdown in each of the Lions' last four games, as well as two receiving scores during that time to take his tally to 20 TDs for the campaign.

The 22-year-old is clearly a future star for the Lions, but he looks well primed to open the scoring on Saturday night, especially at 4/1. He scored the first touchdown of the game in Detroit's most recent outing against Minnesota, and I'm expecting a fast start for the running-back this weekend.

Offers

Saturday: Place an In-Play single bet of £10 or more at odds of 1/2+ on Texans @ Chiefs or Commanders @ Lions and get £5 in Free Bets to use In-Play on Ravens @ Bills or Rams @ Eagles. (Credited upon Bet Settlement)

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