As they prepare for the NFC Divisional … up against the Washington Commanders (12-5), the Detroit Lions (15-2) are missing top six players on… See more 
The Detroit Lions (15-2) are gearing up for a highly anticipated NFC Divisional Round clash against the Washington Commanders (12-5). Despite their stellar regular season, the Lions face a significant obstacle: the absence of six key players due to injuries.
Among those sidelined is star quarterback Jared Goff, whose leadership and precision passing were instrumental in the Lions’ success this season. Goff’s absence places the pressure on backup Teddy Bridgewater to lead the offense. Additionally, running back David Montgomery and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, two vital components of Detroit’s offensive firepower, are also out, leaving a considerable void in their ground game and aerial attack.
The defensive unit is equally impacted, with standout pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson unavailable. Hutchinson’s ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks has been a cornerstone of the Lions’ defensive strategy. Furthermore, injuries to key defensive backs Brian Branch and Cam Sutton leave Detroit vulnerable in their secondary, a worrying prospect against the Commanders’ dynamic offense.
On the other side, Washington enters the game in strong form, having won six of their last seven games. Quarterback Sam Howell has matured into a reliable playmaker, supported by a balanced offense featuring running back Brian Robinson Jr. and wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. Their defense, led by Chase Young and Jonathan Allen, poses a formidable challenge for a Lions team grappling with injuries.
For Detroit to advance, they’ll need a near-perfect