Lions head coach Dan Campbell is downplaying any talk of the Super Bowl ahead of their Divisional Round game against the Washington Commanders. Detroit’s remarkable 15-2 season in 2024 has elevated expectations, especially after their run to the NFC Championship Game in 2023. This marks the Lions’ second consecutive division title and their first-ever top seed in the NFC playoffs.
Campbell, who has led Detroit through a dramatic transformation from a 3-13-1 record in 2021 to three straight winning seasons, acknowledged the pressure and attention the team faces now. “We’ve had attention for four years,” Campbell said. “It’s been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, but we’re here to perform.”
This season has been filled with adversity for Detroit, including injuries, but Campbell emphasized that the focus is on winning this week’s game against the Commanders. “Everything’s about this game right now,” he stated. “It’s not about the Super Bowl, it’s about this week. We have to win now.”
Detroit enters the playoffs after a well-earned week of rest, with key players like running back David Montgomery returning from injury. Montgomery, who has been out since Week 15 with an MCL injury, is expected to make an impact in Saturday’s game.
Despite a strong regular-season record, the Lions’ two losses came at the hands of playoff teams — the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Buffalo Bills. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders are riding a six-game win streak, with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels leading them to a dramatic Wild Card victory over the Buccaneers.
Campbell has made it clear that the Lions are fully prepared for the intensity of playoff football, focusing on how small, critical moments can shift the outcome of a game. “In the playoffs, it’s all about doing your job when it counts,” Campbell said. “If we do that, we give ourselves the best chance to win.”
