The Commanders vs Lions Preseason matchup kicks off Saturday, with Washington looking to build on last week’s win as the tight roster battles heat up. Here’s everything you need to know.
Gameday Info
Matchup: Washington Commanders (1-0) at Detroit Lions (0-1)
Date/Time: Saturday, August 22, 2026 — 12:00 PM ET
Location: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
The Matchup
This is the only game of Washington’s preseason slate without an attached joint practice, meaning both coaching staffs are working with less familiarity with each other than usual. Detroit will start Josh Dobbs at quarterback, with Jared Goff sitting out. Washington’s own backup quarterback situation remains a storyline, with Sam Hartman and rookie Athan Kaliakmanis both pushing for reps behind a thinner QB room thanks to the Marcus Mariota injury last weekend. Jayden Daniels may play a series for the Commanders.
Lions coach Dan Campbell stated that he will be using the game to figure out his best offensive line setup, so keep an eye on that.
Washington stunned the No. 1-seeded Lions 45-31 two seasons ago in the NFC Divisional Round, advancing to its first NFC Championship Game since 1991. Detroit got a measure of revenge in the 2025 regular-season rematch, routing Washington 44-22. Neither result means much for a preseason tilt, but it adds a little spice to an otherwise low-stakes, potentially dull exhibition game.
How To Watch
- Washington market: WUSA9 (CBS affiliate)
- Detroit market: Fox 2 Detroit (WJBK)
- Broadcast team: Dan Hellie (play-by-play), Brian Mitchell and John Riggins (analysts), Bryan Colbert Jr. (sideline)
- Streaming: NFL+
2026 Record
Washington enters 1-0 after last week’s 20-7 win over Miami. Detroit is 0-1 following a loss to Cincinnati in their preseason opener. Against-the-spread records aren’t yet meaningful this early in the preseason.
Head-to-Head History
Washington and Detroit have met 49 times all-time, including four playoff games. The Commanders lead the all-time series 32-17 (28-17 in the regular season, and a perfect 4-0 in the playoffs).
Last 5 Meetings
11/09/2025 Detroit Lions 44 @ Washington Commanders 22
01/18/2025 Washington Commanders 45 @ Detroit Lions 31
09/18/2022 Washington Commanders 27 @ Detroit Lions 36
11/15/2020 Washington Football Team 27 @ Detroit Lions 30
11/24/2019 Detroit Lions 16 @ Washington Redskins 19
Injury Report
Commanders
- Laremy Tunsil (T) — torn triceps, on IR
- Rachaad White (RB) — hamstring, ruled out for this game
- Johnny Newton (DT) — torn pectoral, underwent surgery, expected to miss significant time
- Nick Allegretti (C) — minor setback after returning to practice
- Trey Amos (CB) — trending upward
- Daron Payne (DT) — minor undisclosed injury
Lions
- Sam LaPorta (TE) — hip injury, expected to sit out
- Jared Goff (QB) — resting, not injury-related; Josh Dobbs starts in his place
- Jimmy Rolder (LB) — working back from injury, nearing return
- Ennis Rakestraw (CB) — left Thursday’s practice early
- Ryan Bartch — concussion
Betting Odds
As of this writing: Lions -1.5 (line has moved from an opening -2.5), Over/Under 37.5 (up from 36.5).
Preseason lines move fast and vary by sportsbook — treat this as a snapshot, not gospel.