If you searched for Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions match player stats, this is the definitive page you need. We compile the most recent head-to-head results, verified player stat lines, and what actually swung the game, then place those numbers in context with past meetings.
Most recent clash: January 18, 2025 — NFC Divisional Round
In the latest sports news, at Ford Field on January 18, 2025, the Detroit Lions fell 45–31 to the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels sliced through Detroit’s defense, going 22-of-31 for 299 yards and 2 touchdowns with no interceptions, plus 51 rushing yards, while Brian Robinson Jr. finished two red-zone drives. Washington’s defense decided it with five takeaways, including two interceptions by nickel back Mike Sainristil and a pick-six from Quan Martin. Jared Goff threw for 313 yards with 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions; Amon-Ra St. Brown led Detroit with 8 catches for 137 yards, and Jahmyr Gibbs powered the ground game with 14 carries for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns. For readers tracking sports news and NFL playoff recaps, this was the statement win.
Verified player stats at a glance
| Team | Player | Line | What it meant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | Jayden Daniels | 22/31, 299 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT; 16 rushes, 51 yards | Error-free efficiency plus chain-moving runs set the tempo |
| Washington | Brian Robinson Jr. | 15 carries, 77 yards, 2 TD | Red-zone finishing and clock control |
| Washington | Dyami Brown | 6 receptions, 98 yards | Intermediate strike rate that punished soft zones |
| Washington | Terry McLaurin | 4 receptions, 87 yards, 1 TD | Downfield leverage flip with the long score |
| Washington | Zach Ertz | 5 receptions, 28 yards, 1 TD | Red-zone trust valve on a 70-yard march |
| Washington | Mike Sainristil | 2 INT | Nickel traps that flipped third downs |
| Washington | Quan Martin | INT-TD (40 yards) | Pick-six that detonated Detroit’s second quarter |
| Washington | Jeremy Chinn | 12 tackles, 1 INT | Heat-seeking pursuit that closed space |
| Washington | Dorance Armstrong | 2 sacks, 2 TFL, 2 QB hits | Pocket reset that short-circuited deep shots |
| Detroit | Jared Goff | 23/40, 313 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT | Yardage there, turnover column fatal |
| Detroit | Jahmyr Gibbs | 14 carries, 105 yards, 2 TD | Explosive ground threat who kept hope alive |
| Detroit | Amon-Ra St. Brown | 8 receptions, 137 yards | Isolation winner who deserved a turnover-neutral script |
| Detroit | Jameson Williams | 61-yard rushing TD | Speed reminder that stressed the edges |
How the game tilted
Strip it to the bones. Washington committed zero turnovers and took the ball away five times, which turned a yardage race into a possession and field-position rout. The Commanders’ front generated drive-killing losses that forced Detroit into longer second and third downs. Washington’s offense stayed in phase and cashed in red-zone opportunities. If you track single-number tells, turnover margin and red-zone touchdown rate decided the night. For the granular play-by-play, open ESPN’s game center.
Recent history between Washington and Detroit
September 18, 2022 — Regular Season: Lions 36, Commanders 27. Jared Goff threw four touchdowns and Amon-Ra St. Brown posted 116 receiving yards with two scores. Washington rallied late but could not erase a 22–0 halftime deficit.
November 15, 2020 — Regular Season: Lions 30, Washington 27. Matt Prater hit a 59-yard game-winner. Alex Smith threw for 390 yards in defeat.
All-time ledger: Washington holds the series edge across regular season and postseason. For a sortable head-to-head database.
Why these player stats matter
Numbers tell you what happened. The sequence of those numbers tells you why. Daniels’ 0 turnovers meant Washington never bled short fields. Robinson Jr.’s short-yardage conversions kept the Commanders in their best personnel identities. Sainristil’s two picks and Martin’s pick-six changed the math on third downs and crowd momentum. On the other side, Goff’s 313 passing yards show that Detroit moved the ball. The three interceptions and a lost fumble show why those yards did not become points at the required rate. This is exactly where Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions match player stats intersect with win probability, since every giveaway shifts expected points by a touchdown-sized chunk.
Film-room traits that matched the box score
- Washington’s edge setting: Dorance Armstrong’s multi-lane pressure forced hurried throws and eliminated Detroit’s deep-shot timing.
- Detroit’s explosives remained real: Gibbs’ long bursts and Jameson Williams’ 61-yard score proved Detroit’s speed quotient is live even in defeat. That is why the Lions continue to rate well in our forward-looking models.
Where to go next on our site
For rolling context on Detroit’s standing among contenders, see our Week 4 NFL rankings that evaluated the Lions after a statement win. For Washington-centric angles and picks language that aged well, check our NFL Week 3 predictions.
FAQ for quick skims
Washington 45, Detroit 31. Daniels 299 passing yards with 2 TD and 0 INT. Robinson Jr. 77 yards and 2 TD. Sainristil 2 INT. Goff 313 yards with 1 TD and 3 INT. Gibbs 105 rushing yards and 2 TD. St. Brown 8 for 137.
Lions 36–27 in 2022 with four Goff touchdown passes. Lions 30–27 in 2020 on a last-second 59-yarder by Prater.
Turnover margin and red-zone touchdown rate. Washington’s clean sheet and five takeaways in the Divisional Round explain the scoreboard swing better than any other pair of numbers.
Bottom line
The recent Washington–Detroit story is simple. Washington’s pressure and disguised coverage turned Detroit’s yardage into empty calories, while Daniels’ clean sheet allowed the Commanders to convert opportunities into points. Detroit remains explosive enough to flip scripts in future meetings, and that is why this rivalry will stay relevant.
