For the first time in nearly two decades, Washington finds itself in the divisional round of the playoffs, ending a 19-year drought that dates back to 2005. Some might argue that former owner Dan Snyder was a roadblock to their success, but the Commanders are proving they belong on this stage.
This matchup promises offensive fireworks. Both teams rank in the top five in the league for points per game, with Detroit averaging a league-best 33.2 and Washington trailing at 28.5. The odds of a high-scoring affair are strong, with both offenses firing on all cylinders.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is the star to watch. In the wild-card round, he made NFL history as the first rookie quarterback to throw two touchdown passes in a road playoff victory. Daniels is playing well beyond his years, adding intrigue to this showdown.
If Detroit hopes to avoid an upset, they should lean on their dominant rushing attack. The Lions rank sixth in the NFL, averaging 146.4 rushing yards per game. They’ll face a vulnerable Commanders defense that ranks 30th in stopping the run, allowing an average of 137.5 yards per game. Ground control will be pivotal for Detroit, but Washington’s offensive momentum could tip the scales.
Prediction: Commanders pull off the upset (+440)
ML: Washington +440 // Detroit -540
PS: Washington +9.5 -110 // Detroit -9.5 -110
NFC Divisional Round | |||
---|---|---|---|
vs | Ford Field | Kickoff 8:00 PM ET | Fox |
vs | Lincoln Financial Field | Kickoff 3:00 PM ET | NBC |
The Rams enter this game fresh off a Monday Night Football win, but history isn’t on their side. Teams in this scenario have gone 0-3 over the past three seasons. Meanwhile, the Eagles have been a defensive powerhouse, boasting a perfect 6-0 record in games where they recorded three or more sacks.
Neutralizing Saquon Barkley will be the Rams’ top priority. In their last meeting, Barkley torched Los Angeles for 255 rushing yards, part of a 314-yard ground assault by Philadelphia. However, the Rams’ defense has tightened up in recent weeks, allowing just 104.1 rushing yards per game over their last seven outings.
With both teams boasting stellar defenses, expect a hard-fought, low-scoring battle. Despite the Eagles’ edge on paper, the Rams’ resilience and improved form make them a strong value pick at +400.
Prediction: Rams edge out the Eagles (+400)
ML: Rams +230 // Eagles -270
PS: Rams +6 -110 // Eagles -6 -110
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— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 15, 2025
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| Title: NFC Divisional Rounds: Commanders vs. Lions / Rams vs Eagles
| Author: Ed Welch
| Date: Jan 15, 2025