Record broken as Jayden Daniels leads Washington Commanders into NFC championship game

Jayden Daniels threw for two touchdowns in a flawless performance by Washington's dazzling rookie as the Commanders stunned the Detroit Lions 45-31 to reach the NFC championship game for the first time in 33 years.

The sixth-seeded Commanders (14-5) were nearly double-digit underdogs against the Super Bowl favourite Lions (15-3) but managed to overcome doubts as they did all year with a first-year quarterback, new coach and general manager.

Detroit, the NFC's top seed for the first time, doomed its chances by turning it over five times in a game many expected them to win.

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Washington rookie Mike Sainristil had two interceptions, including one on a trick play, while Quan Martin returned a pick 40 yards for a touchdown.

Jared Goff threw three picks and lost a fumble in the ill-fated first half.

Washington outscored Detroit 28-14 in the second quarter — the highest-scoring in NFL playoff history — to take a 31-21 lead at half-time.

Daniels finished with 299 yards passing and 51 yards rushing while, perhaps just as importantly, not turning the ball over.

First-year coach Dan Quinn led Washington to its first playoff win in 19 years last week as the Commanders rallied past Tampa Bay for their sixth comeback win and fifth straight on the final play from scrimmage in regulation or overtime.

Washington will take on the winner of the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams.