Jayden Daniels and the Commanders stun the top-seeded Lions 45-31 to reach NFC title game
DETROIT — Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders, playing with nothing to lose, stunned the top-seeded Detroit Lions with a decisive 45-31 victory on Saturday night. The upset sends Washington to the NFC championship game for the first time in 33 years, marking a remarkable turnaround for the franchise.
Daniels, the rookie quarterback, delivered a masterful performance, throwing for two touchdowns while fellow rookie Mike Sainristil added two crucial interceptions. Their efforts propelled the sixth-seeded Commanders (14-5) past the heavily favored Lions (15-3), who were widely seen as Super Bowl contenders.
A Season of Defying Expectations
“It’s a surreal moment,” Daniels said after the game. “I always believed we could achieve more than people gave us credit for.”
Despite entering as nearly double-digit underdogs, Washington continued its season-long trend of overcoming doubts. With a new quarterback, head coach, and general manager, the team embraced the challenge and delivered when it mattered most.
Detroit, making its first playoff appearance as the NFC's top seed with a franchise-record 15 wins, suffered from costly mistakes, turning the ball over five times.
“This isn’t the time to talk about what a great year we had,” said Lions coach Dan Campbell. “We’re here to get to the show, and we fell short. That hurts.”
Game-Changing Plays
Sainristil, a national champion last season at Michigan, intercepted his second pass of the night in the fourth quarter, cutting short a trick play attempt with receiver Jameson Williams throwing into coverage.
“Mike is somebody that’s hard to fool,” Commanders coach Dan Quinn said.
Washington’s defense also made a statement, with Quan Martin returning an interception 40 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, giving the Commanders a 24-14 lead.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff struggled under pressure, throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble. He finished 23-of-40 for 313 yards with one touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta, which gave Detroit its last lead midway through the second quarter.
Daniels, meanwhile, was nearly flawless, passing for 299 yards, rushing for 51 more, and—most importantly—not committing a single turnover.
“He has a different poise,” Quinn said. “He’s a rare competitor.”
Daniels also made history, becoming just the second rookie quarterback to defeat a top-seeded team in the playoffs, joining Joe Flacco, who led Baltimore past Tennessee in 2009.
Commanders’ Offensive Onslaught
The Commanders dominated the second quarter, outscoring Detroit 28-14—the highest-scoring quarter in NFL playoff history. By halftime, Washington led 31-21.
Daniels had a record-setting first half, passing for 242 yards, including a 58-yard touchdown to Terry McLaurin and a 5-yard scoring pass to Zach Ertz.
Brian Robinson Jr. contributed significantly to Washington’s offensive firepower, rushing for 77 yards and two touchdowns.
On the other side, Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 105 yards and two touchdowns, while Amon-Ra St. Brown hauled in eight receptions for 137 yards.
Detroit’s Costly Mistakes
The Lions’ troubles began early when Goff fumbled on third-and-1 in the first quarter, leading to Robinson’s first touchdown run.
Three plays after Daniels’ 58-yard strike to McLaurin, Goff overthrew his target, resulting in Martin’s pick-six, pushing Washington ahead 24-14. Goff also took a hit from linebacker Frankie Luvu on the return and was briefly evaluated for a concussion.
Detroit’s defense struggled all night, allowing Washington to post its highest point total of the season.
The Lions showed some fight in the second half, cutting the deficit to 31-28 with an 11-play, 76-yard drive capped by an 8-yard Gibbs touchdown run.
But Washington answered right back. The Commanders orchestrated a methodical 15-play, 70-yard touchdown drive, aided by a Detroit penalty for having 12 men on the field on fourth-and-2. Robinson’s second touchdown run restored Washington’s 10-point lead, and the Commanders never looked back.
Injury Updates
Commanders: Offensive guard Sam Cosmi suffered a right leg injury on Robinson’s go-ahead touchdown in the second quarter. He limped off the field but the extent of his injury remains unclear.
Lions: Cornerback Amik Robertson broke his arm on Washington’s second offensive snap. Additionally, offensive guard Kevin Zeitler (hamstring) and reserve defensive lineman Pat O’Connor (calf) were inactive.
With the upset victory, the Commanders continue their improbable playoff run and will now prepare for their first NFC Championship appearance in over three decades. Meanwhile, the Lions are left to wonder what could have been after a promising season ended in heartbreak.