The night of January 18, 2025, will be remembered as one of the biggest surprises in NFL playoff history. The Washington Commanders pulled off an amazing upset against the top-seeded Detroit Lions, winning 45-31 at Ford Field in Detroit. This victory sent the Commanders to the NFC Championship game for the first time in 33 years.
Final Score and Game Significance
The Washington Commanders defeated the Detroit Lions 45-31 in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The Lions finished the regular season with a 15-2 record and were heavy favorites to reach the Super Bowl. The Commanders were the sixth seed with a 12-5 record and were nearly double-digit underdogs.
For Washington, this marked their first road playoff win in Detroit and their first Divisional Round victory since 1992. For the Lions, it was a heartbreaking end to their best regular season in franchise history.
Jayden Daniels Shines Bright
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels delivered an amazing performance. He completed 22 of 31 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception. He added 51 rushing yards on 16 carries, totaling 350 yards.
His 122.9 passer rating was excellent. Daniels threw for 242 yards in the first half, setting a rookie playoff record. He became only the second rookie quarterback ever to beat a top-seeded team in the playoffs.
His touchdown passes came at perfect times. One was a 58-yard connection with Terry McLaurin. The other was a five-yard throw to Zach Ertz. Daniels became the first quarterback to throw multiple touchdown passes in multiple playoff games as a rookie.
Washington’s Ground Game
Running back Brian Robinson Junior rushed for 77 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. Both scores came from two-yard runs that finished long drives. His first gave Washington a 10-7 lead, and his second restored a 10-point advantage in the third quarter.
Austin Ekeler added 47 yards on six carries, averaging 7.8 yards per attempt. The Commanders rushed for 182 total yards, helping them control the clock and keep Detroit’s offense off the field.
Receivers Make Big Plays
Terry McLaurin led Washington’s receivers with four catches for 87 yards and a touchdown. His 58-yard score was the longest postseason touchdown catch by a Commanders player since 1988. Dyami Brown contributed six catches for 98 yards.
Mike Sainristil’s Defensive Masterclass
Rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil had a career-defining game with two interceptions. He became the first rookie to record two interceptions in a playoff game since 2015.
His second interception came in the end zone before halftime, preventing the Lions from scoring. Sainristil added four tackles and two passes defended.
Defense Creates Game-Changing Turnovers
The Washington defense forced five total turnovers from the Lions. Linebacker Quan Martin picked off a Goff pass and returned it for a touchdown, putting Washington ahead 24-14. The Commanders also recovered a fumble when Goff lost the ball late in the first quarter. The aggressive defense made it difficult for Goff all night.
Jared Goff’s Difficult Night
Detroit quarterback Jared Goff struggled badly. He completed 23 of 40 passes for 313 yards, but his three interceptions and one fumble were costly. He finished with a passer rating of just 59.7. Goff threw three interceptions in the first half alone. His only touchdown pass was a two-yard throw to Sam LaPorta that briefly gave Detroit a 14-10 lead.
Detroit’s Bright Spots
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries, averaging 7.5 yards per attempt. He also caught six passes for 70 yards. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown caught eight passes for 137 yards, but the Commanders’ defense contained him in the red zone when it mattered most.
Historic Second Quarter
The second quarter was remarkable. The teams scored 42 combined points, with Washington outscoring Detroit 28-14. This became the highest-scoring quarter in NFL playoff history. Washington trailed 7-3 entering the quarter and left with a 31-21 lead.
Second Half Control
Detroit scored on their opening second-half drive when Gibbs ran for an eight-yard touchdown, making it 31-28. The Commanders responded with a 15-play, 70-yard touchdown drive. Detroit’s 12 men on the field penalty on fourth-and-two extended the drive, and Robinson’s second touchdown made it 38-28. Washington controlled the clock for nearly 34 minutes compared to Detroit’s 26 minutes.
Key Statistics
Detroit had more total yards with 521 compared to Washington’s 481. However, Washington did not turn the ball over once while Detroit turned it over five times. The Commanders were perfect on fourth down, converting all four attempts. This aggressive approach showed their confidence.
What It Means for Washington
This victory was huge for the Commanders. The team won just four games in 2023. Nobody expected rookie Jayden Daniels to lead Washington to the NFC Championship game in his first season. Head coach Dan Quinn built a winning culture quickly in his first year.
Detroit’s Disappointment
For the Lions, this loss was crushing. They had home-field advantage and needed just two home wins to reach their first Super Bowl. The turnovers were the biggest problem. Goff had been careful with the football all season but gave it away four times. Detroit’s defense allowed 45 points, the most they gave up all season.
Looking Forward
The Commanders advanced to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game. For Detroit, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn would likely leave for head coaching positions elsewhere. The Lions would need to regroup for another run.
Conclusion
The Washington Commanders’ 45-31 victory over the Detroit Lions announced a new era in Washington. With Jayden Daniels leading the way and a defense creating crucial turnovers, the Commanders showed they belonged among the NFL’s elite. This playoff upset will be remembered for years as proof that anything can happen when a team believes in itself and executes perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score?
Washington Commanders won 45-31 on January 18, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit.
How did Jayden Daniels perform?
Daniels completed 22 of 31 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions, plus 51 rushing yards.
Why did the Lions lose?
Detroit turned the ball over five times while Washington had zero turnovers.
Who was the defensive star?
Rookie Mike Sainristil recorded two interceptions, the first rookie to do so in a playoff game since 2015.
What did this win mean?
Washington reached the NFC Championship game for the first time since 1991.
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