Commanders Crush Lions 45-31, Punch Ticket to NFC Championship
Nobody gave Washington much of a shot heading into the divisional round especially not against the red-hot 15-2 Detroit Lions. But the Commanders didn’t care about odds or hype. They showed up in Detroit and absolutely took over, forcing five turnovers and bulldozing their way to a 45-31 win that shocked Ford Field and sent them to the NFC Championship for the first time since 1991.
Fast Start, Relentless Pressure
Detroit looked strong out the gate, scoring on a quick drive capped by a Jahmyr Gibbs touchdown. But Washington didn’t flinch. Jayden Daniels and the offense answered with a field goal, then capitalized on a strip sack to set up Brian Robinson’s go-ahead touchdown. Then, after Goff tossed a 34-yard beauty to Amon-Ra St. Brown to regain the lead, Daniels hit Terry McLaurin on a short pass that turned into a 59-yard touchdown thanks to Terry’s breakaway speed.
The Momentum Shift
That play lit a fire under Washington. On the next Lions possession, Goff threw a pick-six to Quan Martin, giving the Commanders a 10-point cushion. Though Detroit answered with a huge 61-yard touchdown run by Jameson Williams, Washington stayed hot. Daniels dropped a 38-yard bomb to Dyami Brown, then finished the drive with a short touchdown pass to Zach Ertz.
Still not done Goff drove the Lions into the red zone with time winding down in the first half, but was picked off again. That made three turnovers in the first half alone, and Washington went into halftime up 31-21.
Second Half: Same Story
Washington opened the second half with their only punt of the day and Detroit answered with a strong touchdown drive to cut it to 31-28. But the Commanders responded with a backbreaking 15-play, 70-yard drive that chewed up over 8 minutes and ended with Robinson’s second touchdown of the day.
Then came Goff’s fourth turnover a trick-play interception by Mikey Sainristil on a deep shot from Jameson Williams. Two plays later, Austin Ekeler busted loose for 35 yards, and backup Jeremy McNichols eventually pushed in the sixth Commanders touchdown.
Lions Run Out of Time and Luck
Down by 17 with just over 7 minutes left, Detroit managed a field goal to make it 45-31. They attempted an onside kick, but Zach Ertz recovered. Washington tried to seal the game with a field goal, but missed, giving Detroit one last gasp.
That final chance ended the same way most of their drives had with a turnover. Jeremy Chinn grabbed Goff’s fourth interception of the day, icing the game and sending Washington to the NFC title game.
The Bottom Line
The Lions were stunned. Washington was electric smart play-calling, clock control, clutch conversions, and a defense that rattled Goff all game long. Five takeaways, nearly 200 yards on the ground, and zero turnovers from Washington spelled doom for Detroit.
Washington now heads to the NFC Championship game riding high on a seven-game win streak and looking every bit like a team that belongs.
Lions Mauled in Divisional Round as Commanders Roar into NFC Championship!
