It’s been nearly 7,000 days since the Washington Commanders reached the Divisional Round, but that changes tonight when they face the Detroit Lions for a spot in the final four.
Dan Quinn and his team have earned high praise for their performance this season. This franchise was in disarray, seemingly hopeless, until Josh Harris’ ownership group took over. The rapid transformation in recent months has been remarkable, with a cultural shift in the locker room leading to results beyond even the most optimistic expectations.
But all good things must end. Many analysts predict that Washington’s Cinderella story will end at Ford Field against the NFC’s No. 1 seed. However, those who have followed the Commanders closely this season know it would be foolish to completely count them out.
This is a big game. A primetime contest expected to attract record-breaking viewership. The Commanders have felt at home in these situations this year, so it will be interesting to see how the game plays out between two teams that have risen from the bottom to NFL prominence.
Commanders vs. Lions game details:
Date: Saturday, January 18
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Ford Field
TV channel: FOX
Historically, Washington has the upper hand in this matchup, leading the all-time series 31-16. However, both teams have undergone significant changes in recent years.
Recently, Washington’s record against the Lions has not been great, having lost four of the last five meetings, including two consecutive blowout losses. Their most recent victory over Detroit came in 2019 with a 19-16 win at home.
But as shown last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, this is not the same Commanders team. Rejuvenated under new leadership, they are on a wave of optimism, offering hope that they can defy the odds, even as heavy underdogs. Who are the announcers for Commanders vs. Lions tonight?
The Commanders’ playoff game against the Lions is being treated as a Saturday Night Football primetime event on FOX. The network is sending its top broadcast team to Ford Field.
Kevin Burkhardt will handle play-by-play duties, with legendary quarterback Tom Brady — a seven-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots and Buccaneers and now a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders — providing analysis during key moments.
The incomparable Erin Andrews will be on the sidelines, interviewing the two head coaches and keeping fans updated on injury news during what promises to be a hard-hitting game.
Who is the referee for Commanders vs. Lions tonight?
Ron Torbert and his officiating crew will be overseeing the game in the Divisional Round. Let’s hope for a controversy-free game and a big Commanders victory that could shake the NFL to its core.