By Mummy Grace 
Divisional Round Preview: Lions Host Commanders at Ford Field
The top-seeded Detroit Lions are set to host the sixth-seeded Washington Commanders on Saturday night in a highly anticipated Divisional Round matchup at Ford Field. With a win, Detroit would secure its second consecutive trip to the NFC Championship Game.
Vegas odds heavily favor the Lions, with Detroit opening as 9.5-point favorites and the over/under set at 55.5 points. However, the Lions face some challenges heading into this matchup, including the loss of a key player on their offensive line.
Kevin Zeitler’s Injury: A Setback for Detroit’s Offensive Line
Pro Bowl guard Kevin Zeitler sustained a right hamstring injury late in the fourth quarter of the Lions’ Week 18 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Zeitler, a cornerstone of Detroit’s offensive line, limped off the field and missed the game’s final five plays.
Hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky, often requiring extended recovery periods, and despite the Lions benefitting from a first-round bye, Zeitler’s return was far from guaranteed. This concern became reality as Detroit officially ruled him out for the Divisional Round following his absence from practice all week.
Impact of Zeitler’s Absence
Zeitler’s absence leaves a significant void in the Lions’ offensive line, particularly given the strength of Washington’s interior defensive front. The Commanders boast two Pro Bowlers in Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen, making the battle in the trenches even more critical for Detroit’s offense.
Without Zeitler anchoring the line, the Lions will look to rookie Christian Mahogany to step up in his place.
Christian Mahogany: A Trial by Fire
Detroit head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that Christian Mahogany, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, will start at right guard. Mahogany’s rookie season has been anything but ordinary. He began the year on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list while recovering from mononucleosis and didn’t see action until midseason.
Since his return, Mahogany has played in seven games, including a Week 16 start at left guard in place of Graham Glasgow against the Chicago Bears. Despite limited experience, this matchup presents an opportunity for the rookie to prove himself against one of the league’s most formidable defensive lines.
Will Mahogany rise to the occasion and solidify his future as a potential starter? His performance against Washington’s elite interior defenders will be closely watched.
Key Matchup: Lions’ Offensive Line vs. Commanders’ Defensive Front
The battle in the trenches could determine the outcome of Saturday’s game. While Detroit’s offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff, has been among the league’s most productive, the absence of Zeitler increases the pressure on the remaining linemen to step up.
The Commanders, meanwhile, have shown resilience all season. Their defense, particularly their ability to apply pressure up the middle, could disrupt Goff’s rhythm if Detroit’s offensive line struggles to hold its ground.
Final Thoughts
While Detroit enters the matchup as heavy favorites, injuries and the Commanders’ strong defensive line add layers of complexity. All eyes will be on Christian Mahogany as he takes on an increased role under the bright lights of the postseason.
With a win, the Lions will keep their Super Bowl dreams alive and continue their quest to bring a championship to Detroit. For now, the focus is on the Commanders and the challenges they present.