Jake Bates's 37-yard field goal with 2:26 remaining in the fourth quarter proved the decisive score as the Detroit Lions defeated the Washington Commanders 17-13 at Ford Field. Washington had drawn within one on Drew Stevens's 32-yard field goal early in the fourth, but Detroit held on. The Lions' go-ahead score came at the end of the third quarter, when Trayveon Williams punched in a 1-yard rushing touchdown with nine seconds left to give Detroit a 14-10 lead. The first quarter saw Washington strike first: Joshua Josephs returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown before Joshua Dobbs answered with a 50-yard rushing score to level the game at 7-7.

As a preseason exhibition, the result carries no standings weight. Dobbs was active through the air and on the ground, finishing 7-of-12 for 74 yards with an interception while adding 53 rushing yards on two attempts. Altmyer directed Detroit's offense in extended action, going 9-of-13 for 86 yards. For Washington, Athan Kaliakmanis was efficient at 11-of-14 for 162 yards, and Stevens converted both his field goal attempts.