The Detroit Lions’ magical 2024 season came to a crushing end in the Divisional Round, as the Washington Commanders stunned the football world and buried the Lions 45-31 in a high-octane clash to advance to the NFC Championship Game.
Hopes were high in Detroit coming into the matchup. The Lions were riding momentum, swagger, and the belief that this was finally their year. But Washington had other plans — and they unleashed them with ruthless precision.
From the opening drive, the Commanders’ offense looked unstoppable. Detroit’s defense, which had held strong for most of the season, had no answers. Washington’s quarterback carved up the Lions’ secondary, throwing darts and converting crucial third downs, while their run game gashed Detroit for chunk yardage all night long.
Despite a gutsy performance from Jared Goff and several big plays from Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit couldn’t keep pace. Every time they closed the gap, Washington responded with another touchdown — pulling away in the second half as the Lions struggled to find stops.
It wasn’t just the scoreboard that told the story — it was the momentum. Every key moment, every third down, every big swing went Washington’s way. The Lions looked flat, frustrated, and a step too slow in what was supposed to be their next big leap.
Dan Campbell’s squad finishes the season short of the NFC title game, but the foundation remains strong. It’s a brutal way to go out — especially with so much promise — but Detroit now knows exactly what it takes to reach the next level.
For now, the Commanders move on. The Lions head home with a bitter taste — and even more motivation for 2025.
Commanders Outgun Lions in Shootout to Reach NFC Championship
