In one of the most shocking NFL playoff upsets in recent memory, rookie sensation Jayden Daniels and the sixth-seeded Washington Commanders knocked off the NFC’s No. 1 seed with a 45-31 win over the Detroit Lions on Saturday. The win sends Washington to its first NFC Championship Game since the 1991 season.
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Daniels and the Commanders walked into Ford Field facing long odds against a high-scoring team that lost two home games in 2024. Washington did not at all resemble an underdog, however.
After falling behind 7-3 in the first 14 minutes, the Commanders’ fortune appeared to shift after defensive end Dorance Armstrong forced a Jared Goff fumble and recovery late in the first quarter. The key turnover set Daniels and company up for their first of five touchdowns over the next seven drives, and seemed to energize the defense for one of its best games.
Goff followed the fumble with a touchdown pass but tossed two of his three interceptions over the next three series, including one on an overthrow that Commanders safety Quan Martin returned 40 yards to the end zone. Martin’s pick six helped give Washington a 10-point lead with 5:25 left in the second quarter. The team built on a 31-21 halftime lead by outscoring Detroit 14-10 in the second half.
By extending their best season since winning the Super Bowl 33 years ago, the Commanders eliminated the Lions from the postseason and set themselves up for a date with either NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles or the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game next weekend.
Commanders 45, Lions 31: Full coverage
Commanders’ dream run continues under Quinn
This is incredible. All of it. Everything involving the Commanders.
The “little-engine-that-could” storyline ended weeks ago as the supposed rebuilding team continued winning when oddsmakers and most everyone outside the organization kept waiting for the crash. None were forthcoming. Now the Commanders are in the NFC Championship Game.
They weren’t supposed to beat the 15-2 Lions in Detroit. No way could they outscore the NFL’s top offense, let alone topple the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Considering what transpired, “beat” doesn’t do the demolition justice.
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Washington entered as winners of six consecutive games, including the final five on the last play from scrimmage. No panic this time as the Commanders led by 17 points midway through the fourth quarter.
Of course, Washington is poised. That’s a reflection of its never-rattled rookie quarterback. Despite vocal opposition from the Detroit faithful and a Lions defense known for aggression, Daniels led the Commanders to six touchdowns and seven scoring drives.
They played as a team. That’s what coach Dan Quinn preached when he arrived last February. He remained on that message all season. This random-parts roster with a mix of incoming veterans and kids with potential did as well.
Washington had not won 11 games since 1991. This group finished 12-5 in the regular season and now has advanced to within one win of reaching the Super Bowl. Seriously, this is incredible. — Ben Standig, Commanders beat writer
Daniels builds on superb rookie season
Inside Ford Field was deafening, especially in the NBA-scoring first half. Outside of pointing a finger or two to move a running back from one side of the quarterback to the other or alert a lineman of a potential blitzer, this was business as usual.
Daniels treats games like an ordinary occurrence, even in the playoffs. The presumptive Offensive Rookie of the Year fed receivers regardless of their level of openness. He was in full control of the read-option, which helped the traditional running game perform far better than in recent weeks.
After the Lions pulled to 31-28 in the third quarter, Daniels directed a 70-yard touchdown drive that chewed up over eight minutes. Debate if there has been a better rookie quarterback in the Super Bowl era. You won’t get anyone accepting another player after another brilliant showcase.
Daniels finished the game 22-of-31 passing for 299 yards and two TDs to go with 16 carries for 51 yards and no turnovers. He also joined former Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco (2008) as the only rookie QBs to beat a No. 1 seed in the playoffs. — Standig
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Washington’s dominant defensive night
Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. often lamented this season about the lack of turnovers his group created. They came in bunches Saturday night. Washington had five without nary a mark on its column. Goff threw three interceptions. Maybe he was confused at times about Whitt’s scheme, but he rarely found a rhythm against a group with issues against the run and pass throughout this magical season.
But Washington never lost confidence or its way. It still needs more help with pass rushers and depth. That’s a next-year problem. This one is still going. — Standig
Required reading
(Photo: Nic Antaya / Getty Images)
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