The franchise record of 15 regular season wins was washed out on an 8-mile road for Detroit Lions.
In a disastrous 45-31 loss to Washington leaders On Saturday, the Lions watched their best regular season in franchise history slip away.
Jayden Daniels delivered two touchdowns in a flawless performance by Washington's dazzling rookie, and the Chiefs 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 Captains celebrates with #17 Terry McLaurin after defeating the Detroit Lions 45-31 in an NFC playoff game at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Nick Antaya/Getty Images)
The sixth-seeded Leaders (14-5) were nearly double-digit underdogs against the Super Bowl-favored Lions (15-3) and overcame doubts as they have all season with a rookie quarterback, new coach and general manager.
“I've always believed we can accomplish more than people give us credit for,” Daniels said.
Detroit, the top seed in the NFC for the first time, was doomed by being upset five times.
“If you turn the ball over five times against this team, it's going to be tough to win,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said.
Washington rookie Mike Sinristel had two interceptions, including one on a trick play with receiver Jameson Williams who threw into coverage from behind the scenes in the fourth quarter. 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 an ill-fated first half.
Daniels finished with 299 yards passing and 51 yards rushing, and — just as importantly — he didn't turn the ball over.
He became the second rookie quarterback to sack a top-ranked 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 Leaders cruised past Tampa Bay for their sixth and fifth straight wins in the final game from scrimmage in regulation or overtime.
The Leaders, who converted 3 of 4 fourth downs, didn't let Detroit keep it that close.
“Give them credit,” Campbell said. “They deserved 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 lead into halftime.
Daniels had 242 passing 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 win.
The former LSU star, who was the No. 2 overall pick, was 22 of 31, including a long TD on a screen to McLaurin and a 5-yard punt for a Zach Ertz score 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 in an NFC Divisional playoff game at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Gregory Shamos/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 St. John's Amon-Ra had 105 yards and two touchdowns. Brown had eight receptions for 137 yards.
Goff fumbled in the crumbling pocket on third-and-1 from its own 17 late in the first quarter and Washington took advantage.
Daniels converted a fourth-and-3 from the Detroit 9 to extend the drive that was capped by Robinson's 2-yard touchdown run.
Three snaps after Daniels' TD throw to McLaurin, Goff knocked down his intended target and Martin intercepted him and took it to the end zone, putting the Leaders up 24-14. Goff took a hit from linebacker Frankie Lufo on the interception return and was evaluated for a concussion.
With backup Teddy Bridgewater under center, Williams scored on a 61-yard reverse.
But Detroit's defense couldn't stop the Leaders all night. Washington set a season high in points.
The Lions had a chance to pull one back in the final minute of the first half, but Goff's pass over the deep middle was blocked by Sinristil in the end zone.
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Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Chiefs runs the ball against Za'Darius Smith #99 of the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter in an NFC playoff game at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Nick Antaya/Getty Images)
Detroit started the second half strong, forcing Washington to punt for a first down and going 76 yards on 11 plays on the ensuing drive, capped by Gibbs' 8-yard run for his second touchdown to make the score 31-28.
But the Lions haven't been stingy on defense for long.
Washington had a 15-play, 70-yard drive — extended by Detroit with 12 men on the field when facing fourth-and-2 from the 5 — and Robinson's second short touchdown run restored the Leaders' 10-point lead.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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