Commanders clinch spot in NFC championship for first time since 1991

The world is preparing for a changing of the guard this weekend. However, the world didn’t know it would be thanks to the Washington Commanders’ inauguration on Saturday night in Detroit.

They did it by playing their brand of football, which Quinn stuck to no matter what happened. He went for it on fourth down four times and picked it up three times.

Washington had 10 drives on Saturday night, nine if you don’t count the kneel down before the half. They scored on six of those possessions, making life increasingly difficult for a Lions group that clearly felt the pressure.

You can’t win if you can’t score. You also can’t win if you don’t stop the other team from scoring.

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Washington forced five turnovers in the game, with Quan Martin’s pick-six looming large as a key turning point. The Lions, who rode a dominant 15-2 record into the postseason, proved they weren’t a cowardly bunch this year. At the end of the day, it’s a year that ends in failure and one that left the Lions looking like a harmless house cat.

They weren’t the feared, physical bunch. Not that it would’ve worked on Jayden Daniels anyway. The unflappable rookie dazzled once again, leading Kliff Kingsbury’s offense to 481 total yards, continuing a dream season in Washington. They are on their way to the NFC championship for the first time since 1991. For Daniels, he’s one win away from becoming the first rookie quarterback to start a Super Bowl.

The Commanders will await Sunday’s results to determine where they’ll go next week, but it’s likely the Rams or Eagles will fear them rather than the other way around.

Here’s how the action unfolded in the Motor City.

USA TODAY Sports provided live updates, highlights and more from the Lions-Commanders divisional matchup below. All times are Eastern.

Lions-Commanders final score: Jared Goff intercepted to seal it for Washington

Goff tossed his third interception of the game and that’ll do it from Detroit. Daniels can take a knee and run out the last 25 seconds, sending Washington to their first NFC championship game since 1991.

Commanders 45, Lions 31

Zane Gonzalez missed FG gives Detroit a chance

The Commanders finally decided to kick a field goal on fourth down, and it resulted in a missed kick from Gonzalez. He pulls the 44-yarder to the left and the Lions will be in desperation mode, trying to rally down 14.

Lions-Commanders score: Jake Bates FG keeps Detroit’s slim hopes alive

The Lions need all the points they can get and Bates gives them three with five minutes to go. They’ll need a miracle, but it’s not over yet. Commanders 45, Lions 31

Lions-Commanders score: Jeremy McNichols TD puts Washington up 17

That might be the dagger. The Commanders take advantage of the turnover and punch it into the end zone with 7:31 to go. Washington has a 17-point advantage, stunning the home crowd in Detroit. Commanders 45, Lions 28

Jameson Williams’ pass intercepted by Mike Sainristil on trick play

It’s officially panic time in the Motor City. Ben Johnson tried to dig into his bag of tricks and the end result was far from the treat he hoped for. Jameson Williams, the receiver, tossed an interception to Mike Sainristil. It’s the rookie’s second pick of the game and Washington takes over.

Lions-Commanders score: Brian Robinson Jr. TD gives Washington 10-point lead

What was once a fast-paced game has now grinded to a halt as the Commanders ate up the clock with an eight-minute drive. Robinson Jr. gets his second touchdown of the day to finish off the 70-yard drive to answer the Lions’ last score. With 13:29 to go, the Commanders have a 10-point advantage.

Detroit helped bail out Washington with a too many men on the field penalty, giving them a first down at the Lions’ two-yard line. Commanders 38, Lions 28

Lions-Commanders score: Jahmyr Gibbs TD caps off penalty-aided drive

Detroit takes advantage of the gifted facemask penalty and marches for the touchdown to cut the Washington lead to three. The Lions are right back in it after Gibbs’ second score of the game. With just under seven minutes left in the third, it’s up to Daniels and Washington’s offense to answer again. Commanders 31, Lions 28

Facemask penalty keeps Lions’ drive alive

Washington appeared to come up with a stop on the Detroit drive, but Dante Fowler Jr. was flagged for a facemask penalty on David Montgomery. Unfortunately for Washington, it wasn’t even close to being a penalty.

Commanders forced to punt on first drive of second half

Detroit gets the job done on defense to open the second half, forcing a Washington punt with minimal time coming off the clock. They’ll take over quickly inside their own 10 with just under 13 minutes to go in the third quarter.

Jared Goff intercepted before halftime

Goff tosses his second interception of the game, this time to Mike Sainristil. Detroit will end the first half without scoring on their final drive, heading to the locker room facing a 10-point deficit. The Commanders get the ball to start the second half, meaning this game could get away from the Lions quickly if their defense doesn’t step up.

Lions-Commanders score: Jayden Daniels finds Zach Ertz for TD

Washington extends their lead to 10 with just under two minutes left in the half as Daniels finds Ertz for the score. There are 52 combined points in this first half, meaning defense is optional on this night in Detroit. Commanders 31, Lions 21

Lions-Commanders score: Jameson Williams rushing TD gets Detroit back in it

With Goff in the medical tent being evaluated, Teddy Bridgewater came in to play quarterback. Just as Goff looked ready to come in, Jameson Williams decided to play running back, rushing for 61 yards and the score. This game is bonkers. Commanders 24, Lions 21

Lions-Commanders score: Jared Goff throws pick-six to extend Washington lead

It’s not panic time yet for the Lions, but it might be close. These Commanders aren’t afraid of anyone and now have a 10-point lead after Goff tossed a pick-six to Quan Martin, who returned it 40 yards for the score. Commanders 24, Lions 14

Terry McLaurin 40-yard time

Scary Terry is, well, scary. The receiver’s wheels were on display with his 58-yard touchdown, but they’ve been a little underappreciated over the years. McLaurin ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at the 2019 NFL combine.

Lions-Commanders score: Terry McLaurin 58-yard TD gives Washington the lead back

If you’re a fan of defense, now would be a good time to change the channel. If you’re a fan of offense, you have come to the right place. Terry McLaurin didn’t like seeing the Lions have a lead and decided to fix that. He takes a seemingly harmless screen pass and turned on the jets for a 58-yard score. Washington only needed 1:21 to grab the lead back. Commanders 17, Lions 14

Lions-Commanders score: Sam LaPorta snags one-handed TD catch

We have a shootout on our hands in Detroit. The Commanders punched, the Lions punched back as Sam LaPorta came up with a nifty one-handed diving catch in the back of the end zone to put Detroit back in front. Lions 14, Commanders 10

Zach Ertz injury update

Sam Cosmi injury update: Commanders guard rolled up on, helped off the field

Washington’s touchdown celebration was cut short after Sam Cosmi limped off the field. The guard had his leg rolled up on and was bent backward by a falling Lions’ defender. Washington isn’t flush with depth, especially along the offensive line, making this a potentially significant loss for the Commanders.

Lions-Commanders score: Brian Robinson Jr. TD gives Washington the lead

The Commanders take advantage of the Goff fumble and march down the field for a Robinson touchdown. The running back puts the exclamation point on the 78-yard drive to put Washington on top. Commanders 10, Lions 7

End of first quarter: Lions have the lead after one

A fast-paced first quarter comes to a close with the Lions up 7-3. Both teams made it an entertaining opening 15 minutes, with the up-and-down action leading to plenty of excitement. Washington doesn’t look overmatched early on, which is good news for those rooting for the underdog.

Jared Goff fumbles, Commanders recover

Somewhere in the Washington D.C. area, a doctor just ordered a Jared Goff turnover. Luckily for them, the Lions’ quarterback delivered faster than Amazon and promptly coughed up the ball on third down. Washington recovers and gets precisely what they needed after the Lions looked ready to score again.

Lions-Commanders score: Zane Gonzalez FG gets Washington on the board

Washington’s second drive, like Detroit’s, ends with some points on the board. However, the Commanders are forced to settle for three from Gonzalez, who knocks through the 47-yarder without issue. They are still moving the ball on offense, but Washington can’t keep stalling on the Lions’ side of the field. Still, they have to be pleased with their start tonight. Lions 7, Commanders 3

Lions-Commanders score: Jahmyr Gibbs TD opens the scoring for Detroit

The Lions’ quick strike ability was on full display that drive, as Gibbs caps off the 71-yard drive with a rushing score. Detroit took only 3:02 off the clock, giving themselves a touchdown advantage halfway through the opening quarter. Gibbs accounted for 48 of the 71 yards on that possession. ‘Sonic’ is showing the world why he’s deserving of the nickname. Lions 7, Commanders 0

Commanders turnover on downs ends opening drive

An eight-play, 51-yard drive comes to an end without points for Washington. The Commanders were able to move the ball with ease but found themselves stuffed on a fourth-down quarterback sneak attempt from Marcus Mariota. Detroit takes over at their own 29. Dan Quinn’s aggressiveness has been well-documented, so this probably won’t be the last attempt we see from the Washington coach.

Amik Robertson injury update

The Lions’ defensive depth has been tested by injuries this season and now they are set to lose another cornerback. Amik Robertson, who received a game ball for his outstanding Week 18 performance, was down on the turn after his arm took a big hit from fellow teammate Jack Campbell.

Robertson got up and was helped to the locker room.

Lions go three-and-out on opening drive

The opening kick from last week’s hero, Zane Gonzalez sailed out of bounds. It set the Lions up at their own 40-yard line, but that’s about as far as they’ll go this time around. A quick statement from the Washington defense as the Commanders force the three-and-out. Jayden Daniels and the offense can now go to work in a tie game.

What time is Lions vs. Commanders?

• Start time: 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT) Saturday

The Lions and Commanders are scheduled for kick off at 8 p.m. ET Saturday from Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.

Lions vs. Commanders TV channel

• TV channel: Fox

Fox will be the broadcast home of the Lions vs. Commanders game on Saturday night. Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady will be on the call, with Tom Rinaldi and Erin Andrews supplying reports from the field.

Lions vs. Commanders predictions, picks

Here’s how the USA TODAY Sports staff feels the Lions vs. Commander matchup will tilt:

• Lorenzo Reyes: Lions 35, Commanders 21
• Tyler Dragon: Lions 31, Commanders 25
• Jordan Mendoza: Lions 34, Commanders 31

Lions vs. Commanders live stream 

• Live stream: Fubo 

For cord cutters looking for a live stream for the matchup, you can turn to Fubo. Fubo carries NBC, as well as CBS, FOX, NFL Network and the ESPN family of networks, meaning you can catch NFL action through the remainder of the season. 

Don’t miss another NFL playoff game with a Fubo subscription

Lions vs. Commanders odds, moneyline, over/under 

The Lions are favorites to defeat the Commanders, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Not interested in this game? Check out expert picks and best bets for every NFL game this week. 

• Spread: Lions (-9.5) 
• Moneyline: Lions (-550); Commanders (+400) 
• Over/under: 55.5 

Is David Montgomery playing today?

The Lions running back is active tonight against the Commanders. He was a full participant in practice this week and was officially off of the injury report.

NFL playoff bracket 

Here’s how the NFL playoff bracket stacks up entering the divisional round: 

AFC 

• No. 4  Houston Texans at No. 1 Kansas City Chiefs 
• No. 3  Baltimore Ravens at No. 2 Buffalo Bills 

NFC 

• No. 6  Washington Commanders at No. 1 Detroit Lions 
• No. 2  Philadelphia Eagles vs. No. 4  Los Angeles Rams 

NFL playoff schedule 

Saturday, Jan. 18 

• 4:30 p.m. ET: No. 1 Kansas City Chiefs vs. No. 4 Houston Texans 
• 8 p.m. ET: No. 1 Detroit Lions vs. No. 6 Washington Commanders 

Sunday, Jan. 19 

• 3 p.m. ET: No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles vs. No. 4 Los Angeles Rams 
• 6:30 p.m. ET: No. 2 Buffalo Bills vs. No. 3 Baltimore Ravens 

When is the NFC championship game?  

The NFC championship game will kick off on Sunday, Jan. 26 at 3 p.m. ET. 

Aidan Hutchinson injury latest

The Lions initially put his recovery timeline at 4-6 months after surgery. Hutchinson underwent surgery the day after the Lions’ 47-9 win over the Cowboys. That timetable puts his earliest return date at Feb. 13, four days after Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans.

Lions coach Dan Campbell acknowledged the timeline but stated he would leave the door open for Hutchinson’s return in the Super Bowl if the team made it that far. Campbell has not ruled out Hutchinson returning for the Super Bowl and the Lions have not made any other statements regarding his availability.

Lions inactives vs. Commanders

Commanders inactives vs. Lions

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Commanders last playoff win 

The Commanders last won a playoff game in 2006 before defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round of the 2025 NFL playoffs. 

When is Super Bowl 59? 

• Location: Caesars Superdome (New Orleans) 
• Time: 6:30 p.m. 
• TV: FOX 

Following a bye week for both Super Bowl-bound teams, Super Bowl 59 will kick off on Feb. 9.

Lions vs. Commanders best bets 

Looking to make the Lions-Commanders wild-card matchup a bit more interesting? Here are some of the best bets for the game: 

• Austin Ekeler OVER 23.5 receiving yards (-110)
• Jahmyr Gibbs UNDER 3.5 receptions (-150)
• Terry McLaurin OVER 67.5 receiving yards (-115)

Which NFL team has the most Super Bowl wins? 

The Steelers are tied with the New England Patriots for the most Super Bowl wins with six. 

Pittsburgh and Dallas have the unique distinction of playing each other more than any other team combination in Super Bowl history with three matchups. 

NFL franchises with the most Super Bowl wins: 

• New England Patriots — 6 
• Pittsburgh Steelers — 6 
• Dallas Cowboys — 5 
• San Francisco 49ers — 5 
• Green Bay Packers — 4 
• Kansas City Chiefs — 4 
• New York Giants — 4 

➤ Super Bowl winners: All-time scores, results for NFL title game 

Have the Lions ever won a Super Bowl? 

While the Lions have four NFL championships – pre-merger accolades – they have yet to win a Super Bowl. They also have yet to appear in a Super Bowl. 

How old is Jayden Daniels? 

Daniels, the rookie passer for the Commanders, is a little bit on the older side for a rookie: He turned 24 years old on Dec. 18, on the seasoned side for rookies. 

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