In a thrilling season opener, the Detroit Lions narrowly defeated the Washington Commanders, securing a final score of 24-21. Both teams came into this matchup looking to set the tone for the 2028 season, but it was the Lions who ultimately rose to the occasion in front of their home crowd. Washington's Jayden Daniels put on an impressive performance, throwing for 242 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his ability to lead the offense effectively. Meanwhile, Bryce Underwood of the Lions was a force on the ground, racking up 116 rushing yards, which helped keep the Commanders' defense guessing. Adonai Mitchell also made his mark with a stellar 147 receiving yards, providing Daniels with a reliable target throughout the game. The defensive efforts were pivotal in this contest, particularly the performance of the Commanders. Sonny Styles led the team with four total tackles, while Odafe Oweh added a sack and Quan Martin intercepted a pass, keeping Washington competitive. However, the turning point came late in the fourth quarter when the Lions' defense stifled a late-game drive, allowing them to hold onto their slim lead and take the win.