The Lions lost their best season in franchise history after falling to the underdog Commanders in a home playoff game
A franchise record 15 regular-season wins were washed away on an 8-mile road trip for Detroit Lions.
In a disastrous 45-31 loss to Commanders from Washington on Saturday, the Lions watched their best regular season in franchise history slip away.
Jayden Daniels threw for two touchdowns in a flawless performance from the flashy rookie from Washington, and the Commanders reached the NFC Championship Game for the first time since winning the Super Bowl 33 years ago.
“It’s a surreal moment,” Daniels said.
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Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders celebrates with Terry McLaurin #17 after defeating the Detroit Lions 45-31 in the NFC Divisional Playoffs at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
The sixth-seeded Commanders (14-5) were nearly double-digit underdogs against the Super Bowl favorite Lions (15-3) and overcame the doubters as they have all season with a rookie quarterback, new coach and general manager.
“I’ve always believed that we can achieve more than people give us credit for,” Daniels said.
Detroit, the top seed in the NFC for the first time, blew its chances by turning it over five times.
“If you turn the ball over five times against that team, it’s going to be tough to win,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said.
Washington rookie Mike Sainristil had two interceptions, including one on a trick tackle by receiver Jameson Williams that he threw into coverage after a turnover in the fourth quarter. And Quan Martin returned a punt 40 yards for a touchdown.
Jared Goff threw three times and lost a fumble, turning it over three times in a hapless first half.
Daniels finished with 299 passing yards and 51 rushing yards, and — just as importantly — didn’t turn the ball over.
He became the second rookie quarterback to shut out a top-seeded team, joining Joe Flacco, who led Baltimore past Tennessee on January 10, 2009.
“Nothing surprises me with him,” said receiver Terry McLaurin, who turned a short pass from Daniels into a 58-yard touchdown.
First-year coach Dan Quinn led Washington to its first playoff win in 19 years last week. The Commanders rallied past Tampa Bay for their sixth comeback win and fifth straight in the final game of a regular- or overtime showdown.
The Chiefs, who converted 3 of 4 fourth downs, didn’t let Detroit get that close.
Give them credit, Campbell said. – They deserved that match, but we didn’t.
Washington outscored Detroit 28-14 in the second quarter — the highest-scoring quarter in NFL playoff history — to take a 31-21 halftime lead.
Daniels had 242 passing yards in the first half, setting a rookie record a week after becoming the first rookie to lead his team in rushing and passing yards in a playoff victory.
The former LSU star, who was the second overall pick, was 22 of 31, including a long TD on a screen to McLaurin and a 5-yard toss for a score from Zach Ertz in the second quarter.
Brian Robinson ran for 77 yards and two touchdowns.
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Jayden Daniels no. 5 of the Washington Commanders battles Jack Campbell no. 46 of the Detroit Lions during the third quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoffs at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Goff finished 23 of 40 for 313 yards with a touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta that gave the Lions their last lead midway through the second quarter.
Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 105 yards and two touchdowns, while Amon-Ra St. Brown had eight receptions for 137 yards.
Goff fumbled in the pocket collapsing on third-and-1 from the Commanders 17 late in the first quarter and Washington took advantage.
Daniels converted a fourth-and-three from the Detroit 9 to extend a drive capped by Robinson’s 2-yard touchdown run.
Three plays after Daniels’ TD toss to McLaurin, Goff overthrew his target and Martin intercepted it and took it into the end zone, giving the Commanders a 24-14 lead. Goff took a hit from linebacker Frankie Luvu on an interception return and was evaluated for a concussion.
With backup Teddy Bridgewater under center, Williams scored on a 61-yard turnaround.
However, Detroit’s defense couldn’t stop the Commanders all night. Washington set a season high in points.
The Lions had a chance to reduce the deficit in the final minute of the first half, but Goff’s pass over the deep middle was denied by Sainristil in the end.
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Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders drives the ball against Za’Darius Smith #99 of the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoffs at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Detroit started the second half strong, forcing Washington to drive 76 yards on 11 plays, capped by Gibbs’ 8-yard run for his second touchdown to make it 31-28.
The Lions, however, were not stingy on defense for long.
Washington had a 15-play, 70-yard touchdown drive — extending Detroit’s 12-man lead when it faced fourth-and-2 from its 5 — and Robinson’s second short touchdown run restored the Commanders’ 10-point lead.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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