The Detroit Lions suffered a surprising defeat to the Washington Commanders in their first playoff game, losing 45-31.
It was a game they were heavily favored to win at home, leaving many Lions fans heartbroken.
However, there’s some small consolation now, as the NFL has issued a fine to a Commanders player for an illegal hit during the game, providing a sense of justice for the Lions.

The penalty was a roughing the passer call on linebacker Frankie Luvu, who hit Jared Goff in the head/neck area, which directly contributed to a pick-six.
Fans were upset when no penalty was called during the game, but now, the NFL has fined Luvu $16,883 for the infraction.
While the fine doesn’t change the result of the game — the Lions are still out of the playoffs and the Commanders will face the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship — it’s clear that Luvu’s hit on Goff was illegal and the NFL has acknowledged it.
This fine should offer some solace to Goff, knowing that a penalty should have been called on that play, which was a pivotal moment in the game.
NFL analyst Tom Pelissero highlighted the significance of that pick-six, which turned the tide in Washington’s victory.
He noted, “No flag was thrown on what ended up being a pivotal play in Washington’s upset win.”
The fines didn’t end with Luvu, though; he also received another $16,883 fine for an illegal hip-drop tackle on Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs during the next possession.
Although no penalty was called for that play either, the Lions scored a touchdown shortly after.
Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams was also fined $25,355 for unsportsmanlike conduct after making obscene gestures during a 61-yard touchdown run.
After the loss to Washington, Goff expressed his disappointment but also praised head coach Dan Campbell, who took responsibility for the defeat.
Goff stated, “He puts everything he has in it for us, as well, and yeah, we’re extremely disappointed in ourselves, as well,” acknowledging that while the Commanders are a strong team, the Lions could have had a different outcome if they had played their best.