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.
Daniels and the Commanders walked into the Lions’ den inside Ford Field facing long odds against a high-scoring team that lost two home games in 2024. Through four quarters Saturday, however, Washington — led by its first-year quarterback — did not at all resemble an underdog less than a week after earning its first playoff win since the 2005 season.
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 Co. up for their first of five touchdowns over the next seven drives, and seemed to energize the defense for one of its best games.
The Lions QB followed the fumble with a TD 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 endzone. 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.
After extending their best season since closing the 1991 campaign with a Super Bowl XXVI victory, the Commanders’ upset win eliminates the Lions from the postseason while setting 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’ dream run continues under Quinn
This is incredible. All of it. Everything involving the Washington 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 they 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.
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.
This team played as a team. Of course, they did. That’s what coach Dan Quinn preached when he arrived in February. He remained on 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 has now advanced to within one game of the Super Bowl. Seriously, this is incredible. — Ben Standig, Commanders beat writer
Daniels builds on superb rookie season with biggest win
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 is now just the second rookie QB since the Baltimore Ravens’ Joe Flacco in 2008 to beat a No. 1 seed in the playoffs. — Standig
Required reading
(Photo: Nic Antaya / Getty Images)
