The NFL Divisional Round playoff game on January 18, 2025, between the Detroit Lions vs Washington Commanders Match Player Stats was a rollercoaster of emotions, ending with a stunning 45-31 upset victory for the Commanders. This game wasn’t just about the final score—it was a showcase of individual brilliance, costly mistakes, and a testament to the grit of a young Washington team led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Let’s dive into the key player stats, memorable moments, and what made this matchup one of the most unforgettable games of the 2024-2025 NFL postseason.
Game Overview: A Historic Upset
The Detroit Lions, the NFC’s top seed with a franchise-record 15-2 regular season, were heavy favorites heading into this game at Ford Field. With a high-powered offense and a passionate home crowd, they seemed poised to march toward their first-ever Super Bowl appearance. On the other side, the Washington Commanders, a No. 6 seed with a 12-5 record, were the underdogs, fresh off a Wild Card win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Led by rookie sensation Jayden Daniels and head coach Dan Quinn, the Commanders defied expectations, delivering a performance that sent shockwaves through the NFL.
This game wasn’t just a battle of strategies—it was a clash of individual performances that shaped the outcome. From Daniels’ poise under pressure to Jared Goff’s uncharacteristic turnovers, the player stats tell a story of dominance, resilience, and heartbreak. Below, we break down the standout performances from both teams, highlighting the numbers that defined this historic matchup.
Washington Commanders: Key Player Stats
The Commanders’ victory was fueled by a balanced attack, a turnover-hungry defense, and the fearless play of their rookie quarterback. Here’s a look at the players who stole the show for Washington.
Jayden Daniels (QB) – The Rookie Phenom
Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, proved why he’s a frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Against a battered Lions defense, Daniels was electric, showcasing his dual-threat ability. His stats from the game were jaw-dropping:
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Passing: 22/31 (71% completion), 299 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 122.9 passer rating
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Rushing: 51 yards on 8 carries (6.4 yards per carry)
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Total Yards: 350 (second-most by a rookie in a postseason game in NFL history)
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Notable Achievement: Daniels set a rookie record with 242 passing yards in the first half, the most by a rookie in a playoff game’s first half.
Daniels’ ability to stay composed in a hostile environment was remarkable. He was especially effective against the blitz, completing 12 of 16 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown when pressured, per NextGenStats. His highlight plays included a 59-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin on a screen play and a 5-yard touchdown toss to Zach Ertz. Daniels’ zero turnovers were critical in a game where Detroit struggled to hold onto the ball. His performance cemented his status as a “rare competitor,” as described by Coach Dan Quinn.
Brian Robinson Jr. (RB) – Powering the Ground Game
The Commanders’ running game came alive against Detroit’s depleted defense, and Brian Robinson Jr. led the charge. After a lackluster Wild Card performance, Robinson bounced back with a strong showing:
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Rushing: 15 carries, 77 yards (5.1 yards per carry), 2 touchdowns
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Key Play: A 14-yard run in the first quarter set up a field goal, and his two short touchdown runs (2 yards and 1 yard) were pivotal in maintaining Washington’s lead.
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Efficiency: Robinson’s 73.3% rushing success rate was the second-highest in the Divisional Round (minimum 5 attempts), trailing only Kareem Hunt.
Robinson’s ability to find running lanes was a stark contrast to his previous game, where he averaged just 1.6 yards per carry. Against Detroit, all 77 of his yards came before contact, showcasing the offensive line’s improved blocking and his vision as a runner.
Terry McLaurin (WR) – The Big-Play Receiver
Terry McLaurin was Daniels’ go-to target, turning short passes into massive gains. His stats highlight his impact:
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Receiving: 4 receptions on 6 targets, 87 yards, 1 touchdown
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Key Play: A 59-yard touchdown catch-and-run in the second quarter, where he broke a tackle and sprinted to the end zone, giving Washington a 17-14 lead.
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Yards After Catch (YAC): 81 of his 87 yards came after the catch, including 60 on his touchdown reception.
McLaurin’s ability to turn quick screens into explosive plays was a game-changer. His 250 career postseason receiving yards rank him 10th in Commanders history, a testament to his reliability in big moments.
Dyami Brown (WR) – Stepping Up
Dyami Brown emerged as a key contributor in the passing game, leading Washington’s receivers in yardage:
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Receiving: 6 receptions on 8 targets, 98 yards, 3 first downs
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Efficiency: 3.5 yards per route run (elite among receivers), 5.2 YAC per reception
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Postseason Rank: Brown’s 187 postseason receiving yards lead all active players, edging out McLaurin’s 176.
Brown’s performance showed his growing chemistry with Daniels, making him a reliable target on comeback routes and contested catches.
Zach Ertz (TE) – Veteran Presence
Tight end Zach Ertz provided a steady hand, especially in the red zone:
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Receiving: 5 receptions, 28 yards, 1 touchdown
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Notable Achievement: His 43 career postseason receptions rank 11th among tight ends in NFL history, passing Dallas Goedert, Billy Joe DuPree, and Greg Olsen.
Ertz’s 5-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter helped Washington build their halftime lead, showcasing his knack for finding soft spots in the defense.
Jeremy Chinn (S) – Defensive Standout
The Commanders’ defense forced five turnovers, and safety Jeremy Chinn led the way:
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Tackles: 12 (team-high)
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Interceptions: 1 (sealed the game in the end zone)
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Passes Defensed: 1
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Notable Achievement: First Washington player with 10+ tackles in a postseason game since Jeremy Reaves in 2020.
Chinn’s interception of Jared Goff in the final minutes ensured Washington’s victory, capping a dominant defensive performance.
Mike Sainristil (CB) – Rookie Interceptor
Rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil was a turnover machine:
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Interceptions: 2 (one on a trick play by Jameson Williams)
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Notable Achievement: First Commanders player with two interceptions in a single game since Barry Wilburn in Super Bowl XXII.
Sainristil’s picks, including a 40-yard pick-six by Quan Martin, swung momentum in Washington’s favor, turning defensive stops into points.
Other Notable Performers
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Austin Ekeler (RB): 6 carries, 47 yards (7.8 yards per carry), including a 35-yard run in the fourth quarter.
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Jeremy McNichols (RB): 1-yard touchdown run, sealing the game with a 17-point lead.
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Dorance Armstrong (DE): Forced a fumble on a strip-sack of Goff, recovered by Frankie Luvu.
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Quan Martin (S): 40-yard pick-six in the second quarter, giving Washington a 10-point halftime lead.
The Commanders’ 481 total yards (299 passing, 182 rushing) ranked second in franchise postseason history, and their 45 points were the second-most in a single playoff game for the team.
Detroit Lions: Key Player Stats
Despite the loss, the Lions put up an impressive 521 total yards, but their five turnovers—four from Jared Goff—proved too much to overcome. Here’s a breakdown of Detroit’s top performers.
Jared Goff (QB) – A Tough Night
Jared Goff, who led the Lions to a 15-2 regular season with 4,629 yards and 37 touchdowns, had a game to forget:
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Passing: 23/40 (57.5% completion), 313 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 interceptions
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Fumbles: 1 (lost)
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Passer Rating: 59.7
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Key Play: A 7-yard touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta in the second quarter gave Detroit a brief 14-10 lead.
Goff’s turnovers were costly. A fumble on a strip-sack by Dorance Armstrong, a pick-six by Quan Martin, and an interception on a trick play by Jameson Williams were backbreakers. His final interception, thrown to Jeremy Chinn in the end zone, sealed Detroit’s fate.
Jahmyr Gibbs (RB) – Bright Spot in the Backfield
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs was a standout for the Lions, keeping their offense afloat:
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Rushing: 14 carries, 105 yards (7.5 yards per carry), 2 touchdowns
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Key Play: An 8-yard touchdown run in the third quarter cut Washington’s lead to 31-28.
Gibbs’ explosive runs helped Detroit stay competitive, but the turnovers limited their ability to capitalize on his production.
Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR) – Reliable Target
Amon-Ra St. Brown was Goff’s favorite target, delivering a strong performance despite the loss:
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Receiving: 8 receptions, 137 yards
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Key Play: A 13-yard catch in the fourth quarter kept a drive alive, though it ended in an interception.
St. Brown’s ability to get open across the middle and fight for extra yards was a highlight, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the team’s mistakes.
Sam LaPorta (TE) – Clutch in the End Zone
Tight end Sam LaPorta made a highlight-reel play:
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Receiving: 3 receptions, 27 yards, 1 touchdown
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Key Play: A one-handed, 7-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter, giving Detroit a temporary lead.
LaPorta’s athleticism was on display, but he was limited by Washington’s tight coverage.
Defensive Struggles
The Lions’ defense, already depleted with 13 players on injured reserve, including six starters, was further hampered by injuries during the game:
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Amik Robertson (CB): Suffered a broken arm on Washington’s second snap, leaving the secondary vulnerable.
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Team Defense: Allowed 481 yards, including 182 rushing yards, and failed to force a single turnover.
Despite a strong start to the second half, forcing Washington’s only punt, the Lions couldn’t sustain defensive stops, especially on fourth downs (Washington converted 3 of 4).
Turning Points and Game-Changing Moments
The game was defined by a few critical moments that shifted momentum:
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Second-Quarter Explosion: The second quarter saw 42 combined points (28 for Washington, 14 for Detroit), the highest-scoring quarter in NFL playoff history. Washington’s 31-21 halftime lead, fueled by Daniels’ 242 passing yards and a pick-six, set the tone.
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Turnover Deluge: Detroit’s five turnovers (three interceptions, one fumble, one trick-play interception) led to 17 Washington points, including a 40-yard pick-six and a 66-yard scoring drive after Sainristil’s interception.
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Fourth-Down Success: Washington’s aggressive fourth-down strategy paid off, converting 3 of 4 attempts, including a crucial 4th-and-2 at Detroit’s 13-yard line that led to a Jeremy McNichols touchdown.
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Injuries Mount: The Lions’ defense, already thin, lost cornerback Amik Robertson early, allowing Daniels to exploit mismatches in the secondary.
Why the Commanders Won
Washington’s victory was a masterclass in capitalizing on opportunities. Their defense forced five turnovers, turning three into direct points. Daniels’ poise and versatility kept Detroit’s defense guessing, while the running game, led by Robinson and Ekeler, provided balance. Coach Dan Quinn’s aggressive play-calling, especially on fourth downs, outmatched Detroit’s Dan Campbell, who admitted, “We just didn’t play good enough.”
The Commanders’ belief in themselves, as highlighted by Hogs Haven, was intangible but undeniable. They played with a chip on their shoulder, proving doubters wrong as nearly double-digit underdogs. Their 45 points and 481 yards were a statement, and their first road playoff win in franchise history propelled them to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1991.
Why the Lions Fell Short
For Detroit, the loss was a gut punch. Their historic 15-win season ended in a “stunningly swift playoff exit,” as described by ESPN. The five turnovers were insurmountable, with Goff’s three interceptions and fumble proving particularly costly. The defense, ravaged by injuries, couldn’t stop Washington’s balanced attack, allowing a season-high 45 points. A failed onside kick attempt late in the game, despite a well-executed kick, summed up their night—close, but not enough.
Looking Ahead
The Commanders advanced to face the winner of the Detroit Lions vs Washington Commanders Match Player Stats in the NFC Championship on January 26, 2025. Their improbable run, led by Daniels and a resilient defense, has made them the NFL’s Cinderella story. For the Lions, the loss stings, joining the 2011 Green Bay Packers as the only 15-win teams to go one-and-done in the playoffs. However, with a talented core and coach Dan Campbell’s leadership, Detroit will likely be back in contention next season.
Final Thoughts
The Detroit Lions vs Washington Commanders Match Player Stats was a game for the ages, defined by standout performances from Jayden Daniels, Brian Robinson Jr., Terry McLaurin, and a turnover-forcing defense. For Detroit, Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown shone, but Jared Goff’s turnovers and a depleted defense were too much to overcome. This matchup was a reminder that in the NFL playoffs, stats tell only part of the story—heart, hustle, and a little bit of luck can turn underdogs into champions.
