Commanders Stun Lions in Playoff Upset, Advance to NFC Championship

DETROIT, Mich. — The Washington Commanders pulled off a stunning 38-28 upset over the Detroit Lions in the NFC divisional round Saturday night, advancing to their first NFC Championship Game in 33 years. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led the charge, throwing for 299 yards and two touchdowns, while the Commanders’ defense forced five turnovers to secure the victory.

“I’d have said, ‘Boy, I hope you’re right,'” Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said when asked if he could have imagined this success a year ago. “It hasn’t hit me at all. When you’re in the moment, you’re just thinking about this game, this week, this matchup.”

The Commanders, who hadn’t won a playoff game since 2005, executed a near-flawless game plan against the Lions, who entered the matchup as heavy favorites. Washington’s defense, led by coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., capitalized on Detroit’s struggles against zone coverage, intercepting quarterback Jared Goff twice and recovering three fumbles.

Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, showcased remarkable poise in his playoff debut. His 58-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin in the second quarter shifted momentum, and his ability to convert two critical fourth downs in the second half sealed the win. “He’s got it,” Quinn said of Daniels. “He’s the X-factor. In that space, to make plays, it’s significant for us.”

The Lions, despite a strong season, were left to grapple with the disappointment of falling short in their quest for a Super Bowl. Head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged the challenges ahead, including potential coaching staff changes. “We’re going to make some adjustments,” Campbell said. “But this group has a bright future.”

Washington now prepares to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game, a team they defeated earlier in the season. The Commanders’ rapid turnaround under Quinn and general manager Adam Peters has been one of the NFL’s most surprising stories this year.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs also advanced, defeating the Houston Texans 23-14 in the AFC divisional round. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit delivered a standout performance, sacking Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud four times and blocking a late field goal attempt. “He did a great job,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said of Spagnuolo. “Anytime you get guys with that type of free rush to the quarterback is special.”

The Chiefs will host the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown between two of the league’s top teams.