The Washington Commanders, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, delivered a shocking 45-31 victory over the top-seeded Detroit Lions, advancing to the NFC title game for the first time in 33 years.
Daniels shone under pressure, throwing two touchdowns, while fellow rookie Mike Sainristil grabbed two critical interceptions. The win sends the sixth-seeded Commanders (14-5) to the next round, overcoming heavy odds against the Super Bowl-favorite Lions (15-3).
“This feels surreal,” Daniels said postgame.
Despite being nearly double-digit underdogs, the Commanders thrived under the leadership of a first-year quarterback, coach Dan Quinn, and a new general manager.
“I always believed we could exceed expectations,” Daniels added.
The Lions, enjoying their best season in franchise history with 15 wins, faltered due to five turnovers. “Now isn’t the time to celebrate our great season,” Lions coach Dan Campbell admitted. “We came here to reach the Super Bowl, and we fell short.”
Sainristil’s second interception came on a trick play in the fourth quarter, with Jameson Williams’ pass off a reverse landing in the rookie’s hands. “Mike is tough to deceive,” said Quinn.
Another defensive highlight for Washington came when Quan Martin returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown, extending the Commanders’ lead to 24-14 in the second quarter.
Detroit quarterback Jared Goff struggled, throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble. He managed 313 passing yards and a touchdown to Sam LaPorta but couldn’t overcome Washington’s dominant defense.
Daniels, meanwhile, showcased his dual-threat capabilities with 299 passing yards, 51 rushing yards, and zero turnovers. “His composure is rare,” Quinn said of Daniels, who became just the second rookie quarterback in NFL history to defeat a top-seeded team in the playoffs, following Joe Flacco in 2009.
Receiver Terry McLaurin turned a short pass from Daniels into a 58-yard touchdown, further cementing the Commanders’ control.
Washington’s relentless performance included a historic second quarter, scoring 28 points — the most in a single quarter in NFL playoff history. Daniels set a rookie record for first-half passing yards with 242, connecting with McLaurin and Zach Ertz for touchdowns.
Running back Brian Robinson added 77 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Despite standout performances from Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs (105 rushing yards, two touchdowns) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (137 receiving yards), the Lions’ defense couldn’t contain Washington’s offense.
After Gibbs cut the deficit to 31-28 with an eight-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, Washington responded with a 15-play, 70-yard drive, capped by Robinson’s second touchdown, restoring a 10-point cushion.
Injury Updates
- Commanders: Offensive guard Sam Cosmi left the game after injuring his leg during Robinson’s go-ahead touchdown.
- Lions: Cornerback Amik Robertson suffered a broken arm early in the game, while OG Kevin Zeitler (hamstring) and DL Pat O’Connor (calf) were inactive.
Next Game
The Commanders will face the winner of the Los Angeles Rams-Philadelphia Eagles matchup in next Sunday’s NFC Championship Game, with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.