Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio) Washington Commanders wide receiver Jamison Crowder (80) breaks the tackle of Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (32) during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Mike Mulholland) Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown (2) catches as pass as Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (32) defends during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Mike Mulholland) Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell watches against the Washington Commanders during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio) Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) reacts to a two-yard touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta against the Washington Commanders during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio) Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) helps quarterback Jared Goff (16) up against the Washington Commanders during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Mike Mulholland) Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn watches against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) runs for a one-yard touchdown run against the Washington Commanders during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Mike Mulholland) Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) catches a two-yard touchdown pass as Washington Commanders safety Percy Butler (35) defends during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Mike Mulholland) Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) stiff arms Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) on a 58-yard touchdown reception during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Show Caption1 of 10Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio) Expand DETROIT  — Jayden Daniels threw for two touchdowns in a flawless performance by Washington’s dazzling rookie, and the Commanders stunned the Detroit Lions 45-31 on Saturday night to reach the NFC championship game for the first time since winning the Super Bowl 33 years ago. The sixth-seeded Commanders (14-5) were nearly double-digit underdogs against the Super Bowl favorite Lions (15-3) and overcame doubts as they did all season with a rookie quarterback, new coach and general manager. Detroit, the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the first time, doomed its chances by turning it over five times. Washington rookie Mike Sainristil had two interceptions, including one on a trick play with receiver Jameson Williams throwing into coverage off a reverse in the fourth quarter. And Quan Martin returned a pick 40 yards for a touchdown. Jared Goff threw three picks and lost a fumble, turning it over three times in the ill-fated first half. Daniels finished with 299 yards passing and 51 yards rushing, and — just as important — didn’t turn the ball over. First-year coach Dan Quinn led Washington to its first playoff win in 19 years last week. The Commanders rallied past Tampa Bay for their sixth comeback win and fifth straight on the final play from scrimmage in regulation or overtime. The Commanders, who converted 3 of 4 fourth downs, didn’t let Detroit keep it that close. Washington outscored Detroit 28-14 in the second quarter — the highest-scoring quarter in NFL playoff history — to take a 31-21 lead at halftime.