On January 18, 2025, the Washington Commanders pulled off one of the most stunning upsets in NFL playoff history, defeating the top-seeded Detroit Lions 45-31 in the NFC Divisional Round at Ford Field. This electrifying game showcased jaw-dropping performances, critical turnovers, and a masterclass from a rookie quarterback who stole the show. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, a fantasy football enthusiast, or just curious about what made this game so special, this article dives deep into the player stats, key moments, and takeaways from this unforgettable matchup. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand for everyone!
The Stage: A High-Stakes Playoff Showdown
The Detroit Lions entered the 2024-2025 season as a powerhouse, finishing with a franchise-record 15-2 regular season and securing the NFC’s No. 1 seed. With a high-powered offense led by quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Lions were favored to make a deep playoff run, potentially reaching their first Super Bowl. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders, a No. 6 seed with a 12-5 record, were the underdogs, powered by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and a revitalized team under new head coach Dan Quinn. Few expected the Commanders to challenge the Lions in Detroit’s hostile environment, but what unfolded was a game for the ages.
Let’s dive into the stats and performances that defined this thrilling contest.
Washington Commanders: Key Player Stats
The Commanders’ victory was a team effort, with standout performances across the board. Here’s a look at the players who made the difference.
Jayden Daniels (Quarterback)
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, delivered a performance that will be remembered for years. Against a tough Lions defense, Daniels showed poise beyond his years, completing 22 of 31 passes for 299 yards, throwing two touchdowns, and avoiding any interceptions. His passer rating of 122.9 was a testament to his efficiency. Daniels also added 51 rushing yards, totaling 350 combined yards, which ranks second all-time for a rookie in a postseason game.
One of Daniels’ most impressive feats was his performance under pressure. According to NextGenStats, he completed 12 of 16 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown against the blitz, showcasing his ability to stay calm in high-stakes moments. His 58-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin and a 5-yard scoring toss to Zach Ertz were pivotal in building Washington’s lead. Daniels’ 242 passing yards in the first half alone set an NFL record for a rookie in a playoff game, cementing his status as a rising star.
Brian Robinson Jr. (Running Back)
Running back Brian Robinson Jr. was a workhorse for the Commanders, carrying the ball 15 times for 77 yards and scoring two touchdowns. His first carry, a 14-yard run, set the tone early, helping Washington move into Lions territory and set up a field goal. Robinson’s two short-yardage touchdown runs, including a 2-yard score after a Lions turnover, were crucial in maintaining Washington’s lead. His physical running style wore down Detroit’s injury-riddled defense, which struggled to contain the Commanders’ balanced attack.
Terry McLaurin (Wide Receiver)
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin proved why he’s one of the NFL’s most dynamic playmakers. He turned a short screen pass from Daniels into a 58-yard touchdown, breaking tackles and sprinting to the end zone to give Washington a 17-14 lead in the second quarter. McLaurin’s ability to turn a quick pass into a game-changing play highlighted the Commanders’ explosive offense. His final stat line included several key receptions that kept drives alive, making him a constant threat.
Austin Ekeler (Running Back)
Austin Ekeler complemented Robinson’s power running with his own speed and elusiveness. Ekeler rushed for 47 yards on six carries, with a 35-yard run in the fourth quarter that set up a crucial touchdown by Jeremy McNichols. Washington’s ground game, which totaled 182 yards, accounted for nearly 40% of their 481 total offensive yards, the second-highest postseason output in franchise history.
Mike Sainristil (Safety)
Rookie safety Mike Sainristil was a game-changer on defense, recording two interceptions, including one on a trick play by Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams. Sainristil’s picks were part of Washington’s five forced turnovers, which flipped the game in their favor. His performance earned comparisons to Barry Wilburn, who also had two interceptions in Super Bowl XXII.
Quan Martin (Safety)
Safety Quan Martin delivered one of the game’s defining moments with a 40-yard pick-six off a Jared Goff overthrow in the second quarter. This defensive touchdown extended Washington’s lead to 10 points at halftime and shifted momentum decisively. Martin’s interception return was one of three turnovers that led directly to Commanders’ points.
Other Notable Performers
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Zach Ertz (Tight End): Caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Daniels in the second quarter, helping Washington take control.
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Jeremy McNichols (Running Back): Scored a 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, sealing the Lions’ fate after a fourth-down conversion.
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Dorance Armstrong (Defensive End): Forced a fumble on a strip-sack of Goff, recovered by Frankie Luvu, which led to a 78-yard scoring drive.
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Frankie Luvu (Linebacker): Recovered Goff’s fumble and contributed to Washington’s relentless defensive pressure.
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Zane Gonzalez (Kicker): Made several field goals, though he missed a 44-yard attempt late in the game.
Washington’s offense racked up 481 total yards, including 299 passing and 182 rushing, while their defense forced five turnovers and scored a touchdown. The Commanders converted 3 of 4 fourth-down attempts, showcasing their aggressive play-calling under Dan Quinn.
Detroit Lions: Key Player Stats
Despite the loss, the Lions put up an impressive 521 yards of offense. However, their five turnovers and defensive struggles proved costly. Here’s how their key players performed.
Jared Goff (Quarterback)
Jared Goff had a night to forget, turning the ball over four times in the first half alone. He finished 23 of 40 for 313 yards, throwing one touchdown to Sam LaPorta but also three interceptions and a fumble. Goff’s pick-six to Quan Martin and an end-zone interception by Jeremy Chinn were particularly damaging. Despite his struggles, Goff showed resilience, leading a 76-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter to cut Washington’s lead to 31-28. However, his turnovers were too much to overcome against a Commanders team that capitalized on every mistake.
Jahmyr Gibbs (Running Back)
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs was a bright spot for Detroit, rushing for 105 yards on 14 carries and scoring two touchdowns. His 33-yard run in the first quarter set up an early score, and his 8-yard touchdown in the third quarter kept the Lions in the game. Gibbs averaged an impressive 7.5 yards per carry, but Detroit’s inability to sustain drives due to turnovers limited his impact.
Amon-Ra St. Brown (Wide Receiver)
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was Goff’s go-to target, hauling in eight receptions for 137 yards. His 13-yard catch in the fourth quarter kept a drive alive, but the Lions’ turnovers prevented him from making a bigger impact. St. Brown’s performance underscored his status as one of the NFL’s top receivers, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Washington’s defensive pressure.
Sam LaPorta (Tight End)
Tight end Sam LaPorta made a highlight-reel one-handed touchdown catch in the second quarter, giving the Lions a brief 14-10 lead. His ability to make tough catches under pressure was evident, but Detroit’s offensive miscues limited his opportunities.
Other Notable Performers
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David Montgomery (Running Back): Returned from a knee injury but struggled, gaining just 4 yards on four carries.
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Jameson Williams (Wide Receiver): Threw a costly interception on a trick play in the fourth quarter, which led to a Commanders touchdown.
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Jake Bates (Kicker): Made a field goal in the fourth quarter, but the Lions’ failed onside kick attempt ended their comeback hopes.
The Lions’ defense, hampered by injuries, couldn’t stop Washington’s balanced attack. Cornerback Amik Robertson suffered a broken arm on the second play, and the team had 13 defensive players on injured reserve, including six starters. This left them vulnerable, allowing Washington to score on six of their drives.
Key Moments That Defined the Game
The game was a rollercoaster, with momentum swings and game-changing plays. Here are the moments that shaped the outcome:
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Early Turnover on Downs: Washington’s opening drive ended with a failed fourth-and-1 trick play involving Marcus Mariota, giving Detroit early momentum. However, the Lions couldn’t capitalize, punting after a three-and-out.
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Goff’s Fumble and Strip-Sack: On a third-and-1, Dorance Armstrong sacked Goff, forcing a fumble recovered by Frankie Luvu. Washington turned this into a 78-yard scoring drive, capped by Robinson’s 2-yard touchdown.
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McLaurin’s 58-Yard Touchdown: Daniels’ screen pass to McLaurin turned into a 58-yard score, giving Washington a 17-14 lead and swinging momentum.
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Martin’s Pick-Six: Goff’s overthrow to Tim Patrick was intercepted by Quan Martin, who returned it 40 yards for a touchdown, pushing Washington’s lead to 31-21 at halftime.
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Fourth-Down Penalty: In the fourth quarter, Detroit’s defense forced a fourth-and-2 at their 5-yard line, but a 12-men-on-the-field penalty gave Washington a first down. Daniels scored two plays later, extending the lead to 38-28.
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Williams’ Trick-Play Interception: With the Lions trailing 38-28, Jameson Williams’ pass on a trick play was intercepted by Sainristil, leading to a Jeremy McNichols touchdown that made it 45-28.
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Failed Onside Kick: Detroit’s onside kick attempt after a late field goal was recovered by Zach Ertz, allowing Washington to run out the clock.
Statistical Breakdown: By the Numbers
Here’s a quick look at the key team stats:
|
Stat |
Washington Commanders |
Detroit Lions |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Yards |
481 | 521 |
|
Passing Yards |
299 | 313 |
|
Rushing Yards |
182 | 208 |
|
Turnovers |
0 | 5 |
|
Fourth-Down Conversions |
3/4 | 0/0 |
|
Points Scored |
45 | 31 |
|
First Downs |
15 (1st half) |
Unknown |
The Commanders’ 45 points and 481 yards rank second in franchise history for a postseason game, while their five forced turnovers were the most since 2016. The second quarter, with 28-14 scoring in favor of Washington, was the highest-scoring quarter in NFL playoff history.
Why the Commanders Won
Washington’s victory came down to three key factors:
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Jayden Daniels’ Poise: The rookie quarterback outplayed Goff, avoiding turnovers and making big plays under pressure. His 350 combined yards and two touchdowns were game-changers.
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Turnover Battle: Washington’s defense forced five turnovers, including a pick-six and a fumble that led to 17 points. Detroit’s sloppy play was their undoing.
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Balanced Attack: The Commanders’ mix of 299 passing yards and 182 rushing yards kept Detroit’s defense guessing. Their 3-for-4 fourth-down conversions showed aggressive coaching that paid off.
Why the Lions Lost
The Lions’ loss was a combination of self-inflicted wounds and Washington’s dominance:
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Turnovers: Five turnovers, including four by Goff, were catastrophic. The pick-six and trick-play interception were particularly costly.
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Defensive Injuries: With 13 players on injured reserve, including cornerback281 Amik Robertson, the Lions’ defense couldn’t stop Washington’s offense, allowing 45 points—a season high for their opponents.
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Critical Mistakes: The 12-men-on-the-field penalty and failed onside kick were emblematic of Detroit’s sloppy play at key moments.
What This Means for Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats Both Teams
For the Washington Commanders, this win marks a turning point. Advancing to their first NFC Championship since 1991, they’ve proven they’re a legitimate contender. Jayden Daniels’ historic performance signals a bright future, and Dan Quinn’s aggressive coaching has transformed a franchise that was 4-13 last season. They’ll face either the Philadelphia Eagles or Los Angeles Rams next, with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.
For the Detroit Lions, this loss is a crushing blow. A 15-2 season ended in disappointment, joining the 2011 Green Bay Packers as the only 15-win teams to go one-and-done in the playoffs. Questions loom about coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, who may pursue head coaching jobs, and how the team will address their defensive injuries. Despite the setback, players like Gibbs and St. Brown provide hope for 2025.
Fantasy Football and Betting Takeaways
For fantasy football players and bettors, this game offered valuable lessons:
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Rookies Can Shine: Daniels’ 350 combined yards and two touchdowns highlight the value of dual-threat quarterbacks in big games.
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Turnovers Matter: Goff’s five giveaways show how even a top offense can collapse with sloppy play. Avoid relying on turnover-prone quarterbacks in high-stakes matchups.
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Balanced Offenses Win: Washington’s mix of passing and rushing overwhelmed Detroit. Look for teams with versatile attacks when setting lineups or placing bets.
Where to Watch Highlights and Find More Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats
Want to relive the action or dig deeper into the numbers? Here’s where to go:
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Highlights: Check the NFL’s YouTube channel or ESPN.com for top plays.
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Full Game: NFL+ offers replays (subscription required).
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Stats and Analysis: Visit Pro-Football-Reference.com or Commanders.com for detailed box scores and breakdowns.
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Social Media: Follow @Commanders and @Lions on X for post-game reactions and updates.
Final Thoughts
The Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats was a masterclass in execution, led by a fearless rookie quarterback and a defense that capitalized on every mistake. Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, and Mike Sainristil delivered performances that will be talked about for years, while the Lions’ turnovers and defensive struggles ended their Super Bowl dreams. This game was a reminder that in the NFL playoffs, anything can happen—especially when an underdog plays with nothing to lose.