The 2024 playoffs’ wild-card round begins Saturday. Unlike last year, the Lions hold the No. 1 seed in the NFC, earning them a first-round bye.
Detroit will begin its postseason journey in next weekend’s divisional round against the lowest remaining seed. Potential opponents include the No. 4-seed L.A. Rams (10-7), No. 5-seed Minnesota Vikings (14-3), No. 6-seed Washington Commanders (12-5), and No. 7-seed Green Bay Packers (11-6).
If the Eagles and Buccaneers defeat the Packers and Commanders, respectively, the Lions will face the Vikings-Rams winner. However, if either or both lose, Detroit will take on the Packers or Commanders. If Green Bay upsets Philadelphia, they’ll face Detroit for the third time this season.
Here’s how Detroit’s potential divisional opponents rank, from weakest to strongest:
4.) Washington Commanders
The Commanders bounced back in 2024, improving from 4-13 in 2023 to 12-5 this season. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, a dual-threat LSU star, led the resurgence. He threw for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and completed 69% of his passes, earning a 100.1 passer rating and a 70.6 QBR (fourth-best in 2024).
Daniels also excelled on the ground, leading the team with 891 rushing yards and six touchdowns. His dual-threat ability could challenge Aaron Glenn’s defense in a divisional-round matchup.
3.) Minnesota Vikings
Detroit recently defeated Minnesota in the 2024 regular-season finale, dominating the second half 21-3. The Lions’ defense stifled Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, holding him to a season-worst 43.9% completion rate and a 55.5 passer rating (third-lowest of his season).
Despite Minnesota’s top-10 offense (No. 9 in scoring) and defense (No. 5 in points allowed), Detroit has already beaten them twice this season. While the Vikings are formidable, they’re not Detroit’s toughest potential opponent.
2.) Los Angeles Rams
A playoff rematch between Jared Goff’s Lions and Matthew Stafford’s Rams would be compelling. The Rams nearly beat Detroit in last year’s wild-card round and lost a 26-20 overtime game to them to open the 2024 season. Revenge could motivate the Rams in a divisional-round clash.
As long as Stafford can connect with Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, the Rams have a legitimate chance of upsetting Detroit and ending their Super Bowl aspirations.
1.) Green Bay Packers
The Lions must take all their potential opponents seriously, especially the Packers. Green Bay narrowly missed facing Detroit in last year’s NFC Championship game and boasts both a top-10 offense (No. 8 in scoring) and defense (No. 6 in points allowed).
Quarterback Jordan Love is among the league’s best, and running back Josh Jacobs had a standout 2024 season with 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Packers’ defense, featuring All-Pro safety Xavier McKinney (eight interceptions) and EDGE Rashan Gary (7.5 sacks), is also dangerous.
As in last year’s playoffs, Green Bay will be a tough opponent for Detroit.
