The Lions squandered the best season in franchise history after falling to the underdog Commanders in the playoffs at home

A franchise-record 15 regular-season wins were swept by 8-mile road for the Detroit Lions.

In a 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders on Saturday, the Lions watched their regular season in franchise history come to a screeching halt.

Jayden Daniels threw two touchdowns in a flawless performance by Washington’s flashy rookie, and the Commanders reached the NFC championship game for the first time since winning the Super Bowl 33 years ago.

“It’s a critical time,” Daniels said.

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The sixth-seeded Commanders (14-5) are almost under double digits against the Super Bowl favorite Lions (15-3) and are overcoming doubt as they have done 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,” said Daniels.

Detroit, the NFC’s first-ever seed, squandered 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 play by receiver Jameson Williams that threw a back route in the fourth quarter. And Quan Martin returned the pick 40 yards for a touchdown.

Jared Goff threw three picks and lost a fumble, turning it over three times in a poor first half.

Daniels finished with 299 yards passing and 51 yards rushing, and — most importantly — he didn’t turn the ball over.

He became the second rookie quarterback to upset a top-seeded team, joining Joe Flacco, who led Baltimore past Tennessee on Jan. 10, 2009.

“Nothing surprises me about him,” said receiver Terry McLaurin, who returned a short pass from Daniels for a 58-yard touchdown.

First-year coach Dan Quinn led Washington to its first win in 19 years last week. The Commanders rallied past Tampa Bay for their sixth and fifth straight win on the final play from scrimmage in regulation or overtime.

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

“Give them credit,” Campbell said. “They got that game, and 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 yards in the first half, setting a rookie record one 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 No. 2 pick overall, was 22 of 31, including a long TD on a screen to McLaurin and a 5-yard toss for a score to Zach Ertz in the second quarter.

Brian Robinson ran for 77 yards and two touchdowns.

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Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders is tackled by Jack Campbell #46 of the Detroit Lions during the third quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff 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 final lead midway through the second quarter.

Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 105 yards and two touchdowns while Amon-Ra St. Brown with eight receptions for 137 yards.

Goff fumbled in a falling pocket on third-and-1 at the Commanders 17 late in the first quarter and Washington took advantage.

Daniels converted a fourth-and-3 from the Detroit 9 to extend a drive capped by Robinson’s 2-yard touchdown run.

Three snaps after Daniels’ TD toss to McLaurin, Goff overthrew Martin’s target and blocked it into the end zone, giving the Commanders a 24-14 lead. Goff hit quarterback Frankie Luvu on his return and was tested for concussion.

With backup Teddy Bridgewater under center, Williams scored on a 61-yard kickoff return.

Detroit’s defense, however, couldn’t stop the Commanders all night. Washington set a season high in points.

The Lions had a chance to break the deadlock in the final minute of the first half, but Goff’s deep pass was picked off by Sainristil in the end zone.

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Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders runs the ball against Za’Darius Smith #99 of the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Detroit started the second half strong, forcing Washington to punt and going 76 yards in 11 plays on the next drive, capped by Gibbs’ 8-yard run for his second touchdown to make it 31-28.

However, the Lions were impatient on defense.

Washington had a 15-yard, 70-yard touchdown drive — extended by Detroit with 12 men on the field on fourth-and-2 from its own 5 — and Robinson’s second touchdown restored the Command’s 10-point lead. .

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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