Former Michigan football quarterback and Fox sportscaster Tom Brady greets Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard before the Lions game at Ford Field on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.
It’s a game that’s been marked on the NFL calendar since its release, and while it may have a little less shine now, you can bet at least one team isn’t overlooking it.
After a 295-day wait, the Detroit Lions finally have their chance to get revenge on the Washington Commanders, who surprisingly knocked them out of the playoffs in the NFC divisional round last year.
And as if the Lions didn’t have enough reasons to get up for this game, they are also coming off one of their worst performances in the last three seasons, losing 27-24 to the Minnesota Vikings. It feels like a game ripe for a big performance.
Unfortunately, this year’s game will be without one of the key players from last year’s upset, as Commanders star quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a gnarly-looking elbow injury in Week 9 and will be out for a while.
So how will the Commanders fare with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota against a fired-up Lions team? Six Free Press sportswriters have some ideas.
David Birkett
The Lions played their worst game of the season last week against the Vikings, but this is the perfect place for a rebound. They haven’t lost consecutive games in more than three years. They are playing a team without their starting quarterback and with a weak pass rush. And they will have revenge on their minds given what Washington did to them in the playoffs in January. I see a big game for Jahmyr Gibbs and I see the Lions’ deep passing game getting back on track. The choice: Lions 31, Commanders 20.
Carlos Monarrez
What was supposed to be a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s divisional playoff game at Ford Field now feels like a sad exercise between a team that’s still a Super Bowl contender and another that just lost its quarterback and its season. I’m sure the Lions wish Jayden Daniels a speedy recovery. But with Daniels out, the Lions have no excuse to do anything but annihilate the 3-6 Commanders, who were already reeling even before Daniels got hurt. The choice: Lions 35, Commanders 17.
christian romo
The Lions have a better roster, a better quarterback and plenty of motivation to boost a Commanders team that led to an early playoff exit. Marcus Mariota and Washington’s running game will remain this close, but the Lions will lead at all times and hold on to win. The choice: Lions 28, Commanders 24.
Rainer Sabin
The Lions’ offense has regressed in the last three games, averaging 21.7 points. Now, there are growing concerns about the offensive line after the Minnesota Vikings repeatedly pressured Jared Goff and starting left guard Christian Mahogany broke a bone in his left leg last Sunday. But Detroit still has plenty of firepower. Washington doesn’t after being hit hard by a series of injuries, including a non-throwing elbow dislocation that knocked out quarterback Jayden Daniels for a few weeks. Detroit should be able to take down the ailing 3-6 Commanders, who look nothing like the team that stormed Ford Field and upset the top-seeded Lions in the divisional round last January. The choice: Lions 24, Commanders 16.
Jeff Seidel
it is not always WHO you play in the NFL. Is when you play them. And the Lions are fortunate to play Washington when Jayden Daniels is out. Now, no one supports anyone getting hurt. But it’s certainly a benefit for the Lions, who will bounce back with a clean win. The choice: Lions 28, Commanders 23.
Shawn Windsor
It won’t be easy with this Washington defensive front and this uncertain Lions offensive front. But he will look better than against Minnesota. It has to be like this. For revenge? Dan Campbell promises his team isn’t worried about that. He and his team just want to win. I need a victory. They’ll get one and calm the growing worry, at least for a week. The choice: Lions 27, Commanders 13.