Commanders, Jayden Daniels stun top-seeded Lions to reach NFC тιтle game

Commanders, Jayden Daniels stun top-seeded Lions to reach NFC тιтle game

DETROIT — Jayden Daniels threw for two touchdowns in a flawless performance by Washington’s dazzling rookie, and the Commanders stunned the Detroit Lions 45-31 on Saturday night to reach the NFC championship game for the first time since winning the Super Bowl 33 years ago.

The sixth-seeded Commanders (14-5) were nearly double-digit underdogs against the Super Bowl favorite Lions (15-3) and overcame doubts as they did all season with a rookie quarterback, new coach and general manager.

Detroit, the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the first time, doomed its chances by turning it over five times.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels (right) celebrates after hooking up for at 58-yard touchdown throw to Terry McLaurin during the second quarter of the Commanders’ 45-31 upset win over the Lions in the NFC divisional round on Jan. 18, 2025. Getty Images
Jayden Daniels runs up field during the Commanders’ upset win over the Lions in the NFC divisional round. AP

Washington rookie Mike Sainristil had two interceptions, including one on a trick play with receiver Jameson Williams throwing into coverage off a reverse in the fourth quarter.

Jared Goff fumbles during the first half of the Lions’ loss to the Commanders in the NFC divisional round. Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

And Quan Martin returned a pick 40 yards for a touchdown.

Jared Goff threw three picks and lost a fumble, turning it over three times in the ill-fated first half.

Daniels finished with 299 yards pᴀssing and 51 yards rushing, and — just as important — didn’t turn the ball over.

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 on the final play from scrimmage in regulation or overtime.

Mike Sainristil intercepts Jared Goff’s pᴀss intended for Jameson Williams during the second quarter of the Commanders’ NFC divisional round win over the Lions. Gregory Shamus
Jameson Williams does a backflip after scoring on a 61-yard touchdown run during the Lions’ NFC divisional round loss to the Commanders. AP

The Commanders, who converted 3 of 4 fourth downs, didn’t let Detroit keep it that close.

Washington outscored Detroit 28-14 in the second quarter — the highest-scoring quarter in NFL playoff history — to take a 31-21 lead at halftime.

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