Following decades of heartbreak, the Lions are roaring louder than ever, and their fans are showing up in droves.
After earning the NFC’s top seed with a 15-2 regular-season record, Detroit’s 2025 playoff debut has become the hottest ticket in franchise history, with an average sold price of $855, according to Vivid Seats.
For context, last year’s NFC Championship Game in San Francisco cost fans an average of $783. Even the Lions’ 2024 Week 15 showdown against the Buffalo Bills seems like a bargain at $475 in comparison.
The demand isn’t just a local frenzy, either. This game ranks as the third-most expensive non-Super Bowl playoff ticket since 2010. Only last year’s Philadelphia Eagles–San Francisco 49ers NFC Championship Game ($974) and the 2021 Bills-Kansas City Chiefs AFC Championship Game ($863) have seen higher demand.
With just three playoff wins in the Super Bowl era — two of which came last season — the Motor City is eager to support the Lions’ success.
Fans are ready to witness history, paying top dollar to see Lions take another step toward what they hope is their first championship since 1957 — proof that being part of the action is (nearly) priceless.
The upcoming game between the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions is set to be one of the most expensive tickets in Detroit’s history. Fans are eagerly anticipating this matchup, with both teams boasting talented rosters and high expectations for the season.
The Commanders-Lions game is already generating a lot of buzz, as ticket prices have skyrocketed to record levels. Many fans are willing to pay top dollar to witness this exciting showdown between two powerhouse teams.
Detroit sports fans are known for their passion and dedication, and this game is sure to be a must-see event for anyone in the area. With the Commanders and Lions both vying for a playoff spot, the stakes are high and the excitement is palpable.
If you’re looking to attend this historic game, be prepared to open your wallet. Tickets are selling fast and prices are only expected to rise as game day approaches. Don’t miss your chance to witness this epic matchup between two of the NFL’s top teams. Detroit’s big ticket event is just around the corner, so secure your seats now before it’s too late!
Years from now, when we think back on the 2024 NFL season, it’s possible the first two things that come to mind will be the Detroit Lions winning their first Super Bowl and Jayden Daniels’ unbelievable and historic rookie season.
The Lions are the favorite to win the Super Bowl, via BetMGM’s odds, after securing the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Their first matchup is against the Washington Commanders, led by Daniels. Daniels has led some incredible, dramatic wins, including a walk-off victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round.
The atmosphere in Detroit should be electric in Saturday night’s divisional playoff matchup. We’ll see if Daniels can quiet down the crowd a bit.
The matchup
No. 6 Washington Commanders (13-5) at No. 1 Detroit Lions (15-2)
Ford Field, Detroit
8 p.m. ET
How to watch Commanders at Lions
The game will be broadcast on Fox.
Betting odds
The Lions are the biggest favorite of the divisional round. They’e a 9.5-point favorite at BetMGM. This game also has the biggest total of the round, at 55.5. The Lions had a lot of hype coming into the season and still beat market expectations, posting a 12-4-1 record against the spread that tied for the best mark in the NFL, according to Action Network’s standings.
The NFL’s divisional round is often the best weekend of games all year. Let’s preview it. (Hassan Ahmad/Yahoo Sports)
X-factor
Among the many Lions injuries this season, it seemed like running back David Montgomery was headed to season-ending surgery due to a knee injury. But the injury wasn’t as bad as first feared and the Lions are confident Montgomery will play Saturday night. Montgomery was a huge part of the Lions’ offense, providing a 1-2 punch with the explosive Jahmyr Gibbs. Montgomery had 775 yards and 12 touchdowns on 185 carries over 14 games this season. It’s really hard to stop the Lions’ rushing attack when both backs are at full strength. Will Montgomery look like his typical self? That would be bad news for a Commanders defense that was 28th in the NFL in yards per run allowed.
How the Commanders can win
We’ll keep this simple. This is the Commanders’ hope:
The Commanders are overmatched in this game, but Jayden Daniels gives them a chance. It’s hard to believe a rookie quarterback could have that kind of impact, but he has. The Lions’ defense has struggled at times due to injuries. We’ve seen Daniels put up five touchdown passes against a much better Eagles defense in Week 16. Washington has one path to victory, and it’s Daniels taking over the game. He’s capable of it.
How the Lions can win
The Lions should score plenty of points. They had the highest scoring offense in the NFL this season. The Commanders were 18th in points allowed and 13th in yards allowed. That’s not bad, and Washington head coach Dan Quinn is a sharp defensive mind, but the Commanders don’t look like the type of defense that can slow down Detroit’s diverse attack. The Lions don’t want to have Jared Goff throw a bunch of interceptions, or give up a ton of points to Jayden Daniels — mobile quarterbacks like Kyler Murray, Anthony Richardson and Josh Allen had success on the ground against Detroit this season — but as long as their offense plays to its normal level they should be fine. This could be a game in which David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs dominate a Commanders defense that has given up a lot of rushing yards this season.
Prediction
Jayden Daniels is already in that rare category of quarterback who scares the heck out of opponents, no matter the situation. Has there ever been another rookie quarterback who you’d trust more in a road playoff game against a No. 1 seed? Even if Daniels has a huge game, the Lions can outscore just about anyone if they have to. The Commanders have had a fun season but other than Daniels, this is a good matchup for the Lions. If Detroit loses as a big favorite at home, it would be beyond devastating for the Lions fans praying to see their team make the Super Bowl for the first time. Lions 34, Commanders 24
As the Detroit Lions gear up to face off against the Washington Commanders in this highly anticipated matchup, all eyes are on quarterback Jayden Daniels and his potential to derail Detroit’s Super Bowl dreams.
Daniels, a standout rookie sensation, has been making waves in the league with his exceptional playmaking abilities and impressive leadership on the field. With his dynamic skillset and football IQ, he has the potential to lead the Commanders to victory and put a halt to the Lions’ championship aspirations.
On the other side of the ball, the Lions are a formidable team with a strong offense led by veteran quarterback Jared Goff and a solid defense capable of shutting down even the most potent of offenses. However, they will have their work cut out for them as they face off against Daniels and the Commanders.
This game is sure to be a thrilling and intense battle between two talented teams vying for supremacy in the NFC. Can the Lions hold off Daniels and continue their march towards the Super Bowl, or will the Commanders pull off an upset and derail Detroit’s dreams of glory? Tune in to find out in what is sure to be a must-watch matchup.
