The Washington Commanders pulled off a monumental upset Saturday night, defeating the top-seeded Detroit Lions 45-31 in the NFC Divisional Playoffs to advance to the franchise’s first NFC Championship Game since their Super Bowl-winning season 33 years ago.
Led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the sixth-seeded Commanders (14-5) defied expectations and continued their improbable playoff run. Daniels threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns while adding 51 rushing yards, becoming just the second rookie quarterback in NFL history to knock off a No. 1 seed, joining Joe Flacco’s 2009 feat with the Baltimore Ravens.
Entering the game as nearly double-digit underdogs, the Commanders silenced a raucous crowd at Ford Field by taking control in the second quarter, outscoring the Lions 28-14 — the most points scored in a single quarter in NFL playoff history. Daniels delivered a flawless first half, completing 22 of 31 passes for 242 yards, including a 58-yard touchdown on a screen pass to Terry McLaurin and a 5-yard scoring throw to veteran tight end Zach Ertz.
The Commanders’ offense set the tone early, converting three of four fourth-down attempts, including a pivotal fourth-and-3 from the Detroit 9-yard line that led to Brian Robinson’s first of two rushing touchdowns. Robinson finished with 77 yards on the ground, while the Commanders totaled 413 yards of offense against a Lions defense that had no answers.
Washington’s defense turned in a stellar performance, forcing four turnovers and capitalizing on Detroit’s mistakes. Rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil, fresh off a national championship with Michigan, recorded two interceptions, including a game-sealing pick on a trick play when receiver Jameson Williams’ pass was thrown into heavy coverage.
Safety Quan Martin delivered one of the game’s most pivotal plays in the second quarter, intercepting a Jared Goff overthrow and returning it 40 yards for a touchdown to give Washington a 24-14 lead.
The Lions (15-3), who had been Super Bowl favorites after a dominant regular season, were undone by Goff’s three interceptions and a lost fumble in the first half. Goff finished 23 of 40 for 313 yards and one touchdown, but the mistakes proved too costly. His lone scoring pass, a strike to Sam LaPorta, gave Detroit its last lead at 14-10 midway through the second quarter before the Commanders seized control.
Despite a strong start to the second half, where Jahmyr Gibbs’ second touchdown run trimmed Washington’s lead to 31-28, the Lions couldn’t sustain the momentum. Detroit’s defense faltered again, allowing the Commanders to embark on a 15-play, 70-yard touchdown drive that was extended by a costly 12-men-on-the-field penalty on fourth-and-2. Robinson’s second touchdown restored a 10-point cushion, and the Commanders never looked back.
Gibbs finished with 105 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Amon-Ra St. Brown shined in defeat with eight receptions for 137 yards. But it wasn’t enough to overcome the Lions’ miscues and a relentless Washington squad.
Head coach Dan Quinn has transformed Washington into a resilient team that thrives in clutch moments. The Commanders, who rallied past Tampa Bay in overtime last week, showcased their grit once again, earning their second playoff win of the postseason and extending their winning streak to five games.
“Our guys have battled all season long,” Quinn said. “We believed in ourselves when no one else did. Jayden [Daniels] was incredible tonight, and the defense made the big plays we needed.”
Daniels’ poise under pressure continued to impress. The No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft showed why Washington entrusted him to lead their rebuild, completing critical passes and avoiding turnovers in the biggest game of his young career.
“This team has heart,” Daniels said. “We’ve been doubted all year, but we believe in each other. I’m just proud to be part of this group.”
The Commanders now turn their attention to a familiar NFC East foe, the Philadelphia Eagles, who await them in next Sunday’s NFC Championship Game. The Eagles, who split their regular-season series with Washington, will host the matchup at Lincoln Financial Field with a Super Bowl berth on the line.
For the Commanders, their magical playoff run continues. For the Lions, a season of championship aspirations ends in stunning disappointment.
“This one hurts,” Goff said. “We didn’t play the way we’re capable of, and credit to Washington for making us pay. They earned it.”
The Commanders’ improbable journey rolls on, led by their rookie quarterback and a defense that refuses to back down. They are one win away from the Super Bowl — a destination that seemed unfathomable just a few weeks ago.