Home NFL Commanders Shock Lions with Stunning Playoff Upset 45-31

Commanders Shock Lions with Stunning Playoff Upset 45-31

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Courtesy Of THE Washington Commanders Communications

Detroit, MI— The Washington Commanders, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, stunned the top-seeded Detroit Lions with a 45-31 victory on Saturday night, securing their first NFC Championship Game appearance in over three decades.

Daniels delivered a masterful performance, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for 51 yards without committing a turnover. Fellow rookie Mike Sainristil added two pivotal interceptions, showcasing a dominant all-around effort that propelled the Commanders to victory.

“It’s a surreal moment,” Daniels said after the win.

The Commanders (14-5), entering the game as heavy underdogs, continued their season-long trend of defying expectations under a new quarterback, head coach Dan Quinn, and general manager.

“I always believed we could achieve more than people gave us credit for,” Daniels added.

Turnovers Doom the Lions:

The Lions (15-3), riding high after a franchise-record 15-win season, faltered under the weight of their mistakes. Detroit turned the ball over five times, including three interceptions and a lost fumble by quarterback Jared Goff.

“This isn’t the time to reflect on what a great season we had,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “We’re here to get to the show, and we fell short. That hurts.”

Sainristil’s second interception came during a trick play in the fourth quarter, when Detroit’s Jameson Williams attempted a pass off a reverse that landed in coverage.

“Mike is hard to fool,” Commanders coach Dan Quinn said.

Quan Martin added another defensive highlight for Washington, returning an interception 40 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter to give the Commanders a 24-14 lead.

Lions Struggle to Recover:

Goff, despite finishing with 313 yards passing and a touchdown, struggled in the first half, committing three turnovers that put Detroit in an early hole. His lone touchdown pass, a strike to Sam LaPorta, briefly gave the Lions a lead in the second quarter before Washington took control.

Daniels, meanwhile, became the second rookie quarterback in NFL history to defeat a top-seeded team in the playoffs, joining Joe Flacco’s 2009 feat with Baltimore.

“He’s a rare competitor,” Quinn said of Daniels.

Terry McLaurin turned a short pass into a 58-yard touchdown, highlighting Daniels’ poise and playmaking ability.

Commanders Dominate Second Quarter:

The Commanders’ offense erupted for 28 points in the second quarter, the highest-scoring quarter in NFL playoff history. Daniels threw for 242 yards in the first half, setting a rookie playoff record, while Brian Robinson contributed two rushing touchdowns.

Detroit narrowed the gap in the third quarter with a methodical 76-yard drive capped by Jahmyr Gibbs’ second touchdown run, cutting Washington’s lead to 31-28. However, the Commanders responded with a 15-play, 70-yard drive, capped by Robinson’s second touchdown run, to restore a double-digit lead.

Defensive Struggles Continue for Detroit:

The Lions’ defense failed to contain Washington’s offense, allowing a season-high 45 points. A critical miscue—having 12 men on the field during a fourth-and-2 situation—extended a key Washington drive that helped seal the game.

“We didn’t earn it tonight,” Campbell admitted. “Credit to them; they played a great game.”

Up Next:

The Commanders will face the winner of Sunday’s matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game next Sunday, with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.

For Detroit, a historic season ends in disappointment, while Washington marches forward, riding the momentum of their improbable playoff run.