DETROIT, Jan. 19, 2025 — Who could have imagined such a thrilling postseason upset? Young Jayden Daniels and his Washington Commanders stunned the top-seeded Detroit Lions with a commanding 45-31 victory on Saturday night, propelling the Commanders to their first NFC Championship Game appearance in 33 years.
Daniels, the dynamic rookie quarterback, threw for two touchdowns and rushed for 51 yards, leading the Commanders (14-5) past the 15-3 Lions, who were heavily favored to reach the Super Bowl. The sixth-seeded Commanders overcame substantial odds in a game that saw them capitalize on Detroit’s mistakes, including five turnovers. Daniels finished with 299 yards passing, showcasing his calm under pressure and his ability to protect the ball—crucial factors in Washington’s stunning victory.
“It’s a surreal moment,” Daniels said after the game. “I’ve always believed in this team, and this is just the beginning.”
The Lions, led by Jared Goff, faltered under the weight of uncharacteristic errors. Goff threw three interceptions, including a pick-six, and lost a fumble, ultimately contributing to Washington’s dominant second-quarter performance. Quan Martin returned one of Goff’s interceptions 40 yards for a touchdown, putting Washington ahead 24-14.
“I always believed we could achieve more than people gave us credit for,” Daniels added, referencing the team’s resilience throughout the season despite a first-year head coach, general manager, and rookie quarterback.
Detroit’s defense struggled to contain Washington’s explosive offense, which racked up 242 passing yards in the first half alone—a rookie playoff record for Daniels. His 58-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin, followed by a 5-yard touchdown throw to Zach Ertz, was part of a 28-point outburst in the second quarter, setting an NFL playoff record for most points in a quarter. The Commanders took a 31-21 lead into halftime.
While Detroit fought back in the third quarter, with running back Jahmyr Gibbs scoring his second touchdown of the game to pull within 31-28, the Lions’ defense was unable to halt Washington’s momentum. A key fourth-quarter drive, extended by a penalty on Detroit for having 12 men on the field, culminated in Brian Robinson’s second touchdown of the game, restoring Washington’s 10-point lead.
“I give them credit—they earned that game and we didn’t,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said, visibly frustrated after his team’s lackluster performance. Despite Gibbs rushing for 105 yards and two touchdowns and Amon-Ra St. Brown posting 137 receiving yards, Detroit couldn’t recover from their early miscues.
The Commanders, who converted 3 of 4 fourth-down attempts, capitalized on every opportunity. Robinson finished with 77 yards rushing and two touchdowns, while Martin’s second interception—on a trick play involving Jameson Williams—sealed the win for Washington in the fourth quarter.
With the victory, the Commanders advance to face either the Los Angeles Rams or Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game next week, with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.
Injury Updates:
- Commanders: Offensive guard Sam Cosmi suffered a leg injury on Robinson’s go-ahead touchdown early in the second quarter and did not return. Per Commanders HC Dan Quinn, Cosmi tore his ACL and is out for the season.
- Lions: Cornerback Amik Robertson broke his arm early in the game, while guard Kevin Zeitler (hamstring) and reserve defensive lineman Pat O’Connor (calf) were inactive.
Next up, Washington will hit the road for the NFC Championship Game, looking to continue their Cinderella playoff run toward a Super Bowl berth.