In a prime-time showdown between two highly touted rookie quarterbacks, the Washington Commanders punched their ticket to the playoffs with a dramatic 30-24 overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, delivered a dazzling performance, showcasing why he was worth the investment as he carried Washington into postseason contention.
Daniels accounted for 354 total yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning 2-yard pass to veteran tight end Zach Ertz in overtime. The victory not only secured the Commanders (11-5) a playoff berth but also kept their hopes of improving to the NFC’s sixth seed alive heading into their Week 18 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Despite throwing an interception and trailing by 10 points at halftime, Daniels demonstrated poise and resilience in a season-defining performance. He completed 24 of 36 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for a season-high 127 yards, including a pivotal 42-yard scramble in overtime that set up the game-winning score.
Daniels’ 30 combined touchdowns this season tie him with Russell Wilson for the third-most by a rookie quarterback in NFL history. Additionally, his 864 rushing yards surpassed Robert Griffin III’s record for the most by a rookie quarterback.
“It’s a dream come true,” Daniels said after the game. “This team has battled all year, and to clinch a playoff spot like this in front of our fans is incredible.”
The Falcons (8-8) started strong, leaning on their potent ground game to control the first half. Bijan Robinson rushed for 82 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries before the Commanders adjusted defensively. Atlanta, however, inexplicably moved away from the run in the second half, and Robinson managed just 8 yards the rest of the game.
Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta’s No. 8 overall pick making his second professional start, kept the Falcons in the fight. Penix finished 19 of 35 for 223 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, showing flashes of the potential that made him a top draft selection. He connected with Kyle Pitts on a 4-yard touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 24.
The Falcons had a chance to win in regulation after Penix’s deep pass to Drake London drew a pass interference penalty with two seconds left. However, Riley Patterson’s 56-yard field goal attempt fell short, sending the game into overtime.
In overtime, Daniels seized control. He orchestrated a methodical drive, highlighted by a 42-yard scramble on third down that placed Washington in the red zone. Three plays later, Daniels found Ertz in the end zone for the game-winning touchdown, setting off a raucous celebration at FedExField.
The Commanders victory guarantees them a playoff spot, but their seeding remains uncertain. If they defeat the Cowboys next week, they could climb to the NFC’s sixth seed, setting up a wild-card matchup against either the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Los Angeles Rams. If they lose, they’ll likely face a division rival, either the Philadelphia Eagles or Dallas, in the opening round.
For the Falcons, the loss complicates their playoff hopes. They’ll need to beat the Carolina Panthers next Sunday and hope the Buccaneers lose to the New Orleans Saints to sneak into the postseason.
Daniels tied Russell Wilson for the third-most touchdowns by a rookie quarterback with 30 and broke Robert Griffin III’s rookie rushing record with 864 yards. Zach Ertz surpassed 8,000 career receiving yards, becoming just the ninth tight end in NFL history to achieve the feat. Drake London recorded seven catches for 106 yards, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in a season for the first time in his career.
Falcons host the Panthers while scoreboard-watching the Saints-Buccaneers game. Commanders travel to Dallas to face the Cowboys in a game with significant playoff seeding implications.
In a season full of comebacks and dramatic finishes, Jayden Daniels delivered once again, proving he’s the franchise quarterback Washington has long sought. As the playoffs loom, the Commanders are riding high, and their rookie sensation is just getting started.
