By Blessing 
The Washington Commanders are preparing for what might be their toughest challenge of the 2025 NFL Playoffs: a Saturday night showdown against the top-seeded Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is drawing attention heading into this pivotal game, as he stands on the verge of a historic achievement. The former Heisman Trophy winner is just one win away from tying a rookie record set by Pittsburgh Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger in 2004. Roethlisberger’s remarkable debut season saw him secure 14 victories in the regular season and playoffs combined.
Daniels, who has already amassed 13 wins this season, has proven to be a clutch performer. Known for his poise under pressure, he has recorded five fourth-quarter comebacks and boasts an impressive 117.3 passer rating in tight games — the highest among quarterbacks with at least 50 attempts in such situations since 1991.
Despite his success, Daniels and the Commanders enter the game as underdogs, with a 9.5-point spread favoring the Lions. Detroit, led by Coach of the Year candidate Dan Campbell, features one of the most explosive offenses in NFL history.
If the Commanders manage to upset the Lions, Daniels will not only tie the rookie record but also cement his status as one of the league’s rising stars.