The Lions are the NFL's most aggressive on fourth down, but the Commanders proved they're the most successful in Saturday's divisional round matchup at Ford Field.
Detroit's starting cornerback is questionable to return following a serious injury suffered in the first quarter.
The Commanders, 4-13 a season ago, are one win from the Super Bowl after upsetting the top-seeded Lions on their home field.
Washington had the talent and scheme to exploit Detroit and make an upset victory look easy.
In one of the wildest playoff games in recent memory, Jayden Daniels and the No. 6-seed Washington Commanders pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the top-seeded Detroit Lions 45-31. Daniels was nearly flawless in repeatedly staring down Detroit's blitz-happy defense,
The Detroit Lions improbable run is officially over. The Lions succumbed to the Washington Commanders 45-31 in a shootout on their home turf. Amon-Ra St. Brown, former USC Trojans receiver, fought valiantly despite the losing effort.
Washington Commanders reach the NFC championship game for the first time since winning the Super Bowl 33 years ago.
The Detroit Lions lost to the Washington Commanders after a series of costly errors in their NFL divisional playoff.
Early signs of stuggle, including three first-half turnovers, put a damper on the mood, but tight end Sam LaPorta’s heroic endzone grab and a clutch 61-yard run from Jameson Williams gave fans plenty to cheer about.
It was a somber scene inside the Detroit Lions locker room Saturday night as players left Ford Field disappointed. After a magical regular-season run, the top-seeded Lions suffered a 45-31 upset loss to the Washington Commanders behind a five-turnover performance in the NFC divisional round matchup.
Detroit, which needed to win just two home games to make the first Super Bowl in franchise history, is out. The Commanders are moving onto the NFC title game for the first time since the end of the '91 season.