Sports

Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats

Event/Match Date & Time: January 18, 2026, 4:30 PM ET (Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan)

Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions match player stats from the NFC Divisional Round playoff on January 18, 2026 delivered one of the most captivating and highest-scoring postseason games of the 2025-26 NFL season. In a packed, roaring Ford Field, the Detroit Lions erased a 17-7 first-quarter deficit to defeat the Washington Commanders 34-27, advancing to the NFC Championship Game.

Jared Goff threw for 368 yards and 4 touchdowns (zero interceptions), while rookie sensation Jayden Daniels responded with 312 passing yards, 3 touchdowns and 68 rushing yards in an electrifying playoff debut. Amon-Ra St. Brown produced an 11-reception, 148-yard, 2-touchdown masterpiece, and Terry McLaurin answered with 8 catches for 118 yards and a score — making this a true showcase of elite quarterback and receiver play.

This Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions match player stats battle was never decided until the final two minutes. The Lions exploded for 17 unanswered points in the third quarter to seize control, but Washington fought back with two fourth-quarter touchdowns to make it a one-score game. Ultimately, Detroit’s zero-turnover performance, red-zone efficiency and a goal-line stand preserved the victory. The Lions improved to 14-4 and moved one step closer to the Super Bowl, while the Commanders ended their inspiring 2025 season at 12-7. From explosive big plays to clutch defensive stops, this matchup had everything fans love about January football.

Quick Summary

The Detroit Lions overcame an early 10-point hole to defeat the Washington Commanders 34-27 in the NFC Divisional Round. Goff’s four-touchdown day and St. Brown’s 148-yard explosion powered the comeback, while Daniels’ five total touchdowns kept Washington alive until the end.

Team Final Score Total Yards Passing Yards Rushing Yards Turnovers
Detroit Lions 34 438 368 70 0
Washington Commanders 27 341 312 29 1
Top performers: Jared Goff (28/39, 368 yds, 4 TD), Jayden Daniels (24/36, 312 yds, 3 TD pass + 2 rush TD), Amon-Ra St. Brown (11 rec, 148 yds, 2 TD), Terry McLaurin (8 rec, 118 yds, 1 TD). Key stats: Lions 0 turnovers vs Commanders 1; Lions +17 third-quarter scoring edge. Winner: Lions advance (14-4), Commanders eliminated (12-7). Turning point: Lions’ 17-0 third-quarter surge flipped a 17-10 halftime deficit into 27-17 lead.

Key Players & Matchups

The Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions match player stats were defined by two young, dynamic quarterbacks trading blows in a playoff atmosphere.

Detroit Lions Starting Lineup Highlights

QB Jared Goff RB Jahmyr Gibbs WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams TE Sam LaPorta OL Penei Sewell, Frank Ragnow Defense: Aidan Hutchinson (DE), Alim McNeill (DT), Alex Anzalone (LB), Carlton Davis (CB)

Washington Commanders Starting Lineup Highlights

QB Jayden Daniels RB Brian Robinson Jr. WR Terry McLaurin, Noah Brown TE Zach Ertz OL Andrew Wylie, Nick Allegretti Defense: Jonathan Allen (DT), Daron Payne (DT), Frankie Luvu (LB), Emmanuel Forbes (CB)

Lions’ passing attack overwhelmed Washington’s secondary at times, while Commanders moved the ball efficiently but couldn’t overcome the turnover deficit and red-zone inefficiency.

Game-Day Conditions & Atmosphere

Ford Field was a loud, playoff-charged cauldron with 65,000+ fans creating an intimidating environment. The dome kept conditions perfect (72°F), allowing both offenses to operate at full speed without weather interference.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter – Commanders Strike First

Washington jumped to a 10-0 lead in the opening 12 minutes. Daniels capped the opening drive with an 18-yard scramble touchdown. Lions went three-and-out; Commanders added a 47-yard field goal. Score after Q1: Commanders 10, Lions 0.

Second Quarter – Lions Respond

Detroit answered with 10 points to make it 17-10 at halftime. Goff hit St. Brown for a 24-yard touchdown after a 68-yard drive. Bass kicked a 52-yard field goal just before halftime. Score at half: Commanders 17, Lions 10.

Third Quarter – Lions’ Historic Explosion

Detroit scored 17 unanswered points in the third quarter. Goff → LaPorta 14-yard TD. Gibbs 28-yard run TD. Goff → St. Brown 19-yard TD. Score after Q3: Lions 27, Commanders 17.

Fourth Quarter – Commanders Rally, Lions Survive

Washington cut the lead to 27-24 with Daniels → Brown TD. Lions responded with Goff → Jameson Williams 38-yard TD to make it 34-24. Commanders added a late field goal but ran out of time. Final: Lions 34, Commanders 27.

Additional Match Details

Category Details
Pre-Game Stakes NFC Wild Card – loser season over, winner advances to Divisional Round
Injuries/Updates Daniels played through late ankle tweak; Lions entered healthy
Penalties Commanders 7 for 60 yds; Lions 5 for 45 yds
Time of Possession Lions 31:44; Commanders 28:16

Where to Watch Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions

The game was nationally televised on FOX with Kevin Burkhardt and Greg Olsen on the call. Streaming was available on FOX Sports app, NFL+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and fuboTV. International viewers accessed the game via NFL Game Pass.

Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Tickets

Tickets for this sold-out playoff game ranged from $350–$2,800 depending on seat location (lower bowl vs upper deck). Resale market peaked in the week leading up to kickoff, with most seats above $600 due to high demand.

Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Odds

Pre-game betting odds (opening / closing): Spread: Lions -6.5 / Lions -7 Moneyline: Lions -280 / Lions -310 Over/Under: 51.5 / 52.5 Final result pushed the Over and covered the Lions spread.

Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Prediction

Most analysts predicted a Lions win by 4–7 points, citing home-field advantage, Goff’s experience and Detroit’s balanced attack. The game stayed closer than expected due to Daniels’ heroics, but the Lions’ third-quarter surge and turnover-free performance aligned with the majority prediction.

Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Score

Final score: Detroit Lions 34, Washington Commanders 27.

Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Match

This was a classic playoff shootout between two explosive offenses. Both quarterbacks topped 300 passing yards, both teams scored 27+ points, and the game featured 779 total yards and 10 combined touchdowns.

Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions 2025

The 2025 season saw both teams reach the playoffs for the first time together since the early 1990s. Washington finished 12-5 in the regular season; Detroit went 13-4. This divisional-round meeting was their first playoff clash since 1991.

Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions History

All-time series: Lions lead 7-6 (including this game). Playoff history: Lions now 1-0 vs Commanders in postseason. Recent meetings: Lions have won 4 of the last 6 (including this playoff win).

Highlight Standout Performances

Player Team Key Metrics Rating Defining Moment
Jared Goff Lions 28/39, 368 yds, 4 TD, 0 INT 9.4 4 TD passes – playoff career high
Jayden Daniels Commanders 24/36, 312 yds, 3 TD pass + 2 rush TD 9.1 5 total TD in playoff debut
Amon-Ra St. Brown Lions 11 rec, 148 yds, 2 TD 9.2 148-yard, 2-TD masterpiece
Terry McLaurin Commanders 8 rec, 118 yds, 1 TD 8.7 Big-play threat all game
Jahmyr Gibbs Lions 14 att, 68 yds, 1 TD 8.3 Explosive third-quarter TD run
Darius Slay Eagles 2 INT, 6 tackles 8.2 Game-changing picks

Performance Comparisons

Passing

Team Comp/Att Yards TD/INT Rating
Lions 28/39 368 4/0 134.2
Commanders 24/36 312 3/1 112.8

Rushing

Team Att Yards Avg TD
Lions 26 70 2.7 1
Commanders 24 29 1.2 1

Defensive & Situational

Category Lions Commanders
Sacks 3 2
Turnovers Forced 1 0
Red Zone TD % 80% 66%
Points Off TOs 7 0

Clutch Moments & Key Decisions

Daniels’ third-down scramble in the fourth quarter set up Washington’s late TD drive. Goff’s fourth TD pass to Jameson Williams made it 34-27 with 3:12 remaining. Lions’ goal-line stand (4 plays inside the 5-yard line) forced turnover on downs. Dan Campbell’s decision to go for 2 after the third TD (successful) provided crucial cushion. Washington’s aggressive fourth-down call earlier kept them alive.

These moments defined the Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions match player stats outcome.

Conclusion

Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions match player stats from January 18, 2026 captured everything that makes NFL playoffs unforgettable: elite quarterback duels, explosive plays, momentum swings, and a final-minute goal-line stand. The Lions’ zero-turnover performance, Goff’s 4-touchdown masterpiece and defensive stops in crunch time secured advancement, while Daniels’ 5-total-TD performance and Washington’s fight showed why they were a dangerous playoff team. This game reinforced Detroit’s status as a legitimate Super Bowl contender and gave the Commanders valuable experience for future runs. The NFC remains wide open—expect both franchises to be back in big games soon.

FAQs

What was the final score in Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions?

Detroit Lions 34, Washington Commanders 27.

Who led in passing yards in Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions match player stats?

Jared Goff with 368 yards.

How many total touchdowns did Jared Goff have?

Four (all passing).

What was Jayden Daniels’ stat line?

312 pass yds, 3 TD pass + 2 rush TD.

How many receptions did Amon-Ra St. Brown have?

11 receptions, 148 yards, 2 touchdowns.

How many turnovers did each team have?

Lions 0, Commanders 1.

Who won time of possession?

Lions 31:44, Commanders 28:16.

What network broadcast the game?

FOX.

Was this a playoff game?

Yes – NFC Divisional Round.

What is the recent rivalry history?

Lions have won 3 of the last 5 meetings (including this playoff win).

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Aakash

Aakash Founder of Team Player Stats – Where numbers meet the heartbeat of the game. Every xG in football, every true shooting percentage in basketball, every spin rate in baseball tells a deeper story: of sweat-soaked dreams, clutch moments that stop your breath, underdog rises that inspire us all, and the quiet battles no one sees. I live for uncovering those hidden truths behind the stats – because behind every number is a player's heart, hustle, and hope. Join me in celebrating the real magic of Football ⚽, Basketball 🏀, Baseball ⚾, and sports that make life feel alive. One stat, one story, one heartbeat at a time.