The No. 1 seed Detroit Lions (15-2) have the chance to achieve something historic this postseason, as they are the only team in the NFC to never appear in a Super Bowl since its inception in 1970.
This marks the first time since the Super Bowl and seeding era began that the Lions have clinched the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC, and the first time they've won the NFC North in back-to-back seasons.
Despite a long history of struggles since the Super Bowl era began, many believe this could be the year the Lions break through. Yet, it all starts on Saturday evening when they host the No. 6 seed Washington Commanders, led by rookie sensation Jayden Daniels.
Ahead of the matchup, Lions head coach Dan Campbell shared a powerful message for Detroit's fans and their potential impact on the team's playoff journey.
"Look, it only takes one. You can be in loud environments, ours will be the loudest they've been in all year. Now, how does it affect them? It only takes one. It only takes one, for something to go arise and whether that ends that series or something happens out of it and that's all you're looking for. That's all you're hoping for. So I'm glad we're at home, and I can't wait to hear our crowd and we know they're behind us and it's gonna be electric."
Coach Campbell expects @fordfield to be electric on Saturday pic.twitter.com/sJTFs12JMi
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 16, 2025
Dan Campbell and the Lions have faced significant challenges this season, especially with injuries decimating their defense. Despite losing over ten starters on that side of the ball, the team remained consistent, resilient, and productive, week in and week out.
As they head into the divisional round with a slightly healthier roster, the Lions are set to face a unique challenge against a Commanders team that is playing with house money. Washington comes into this matchup riding high after securing their first playoff win since 2005.
They are currently 8 1/2-point underdogs against Detroit according to DraftKings Sportsbook, with the pressure certainly on Campbell and the Lions with there expectations being the highest they've been in a very long time.
However, Campbell has built and sustained a culture for Lions football in the Motor City and it's been noticeable amongst many, but certainty his starting quarterback Jared Goff who's been with him throughout all of the highs and lows since he took the job in 2021.
"He's been incredible... He's been incredible. He's breathed life into me from the moment I got here," Goff said after the teams Week 18 win. "It's been a lot of fun to win with him and to have a guy like that believe not only in me but believe in the whole team. At every point in this journey in the last four years, he's believed in us.
