X-Factor Commanders vs. Lions in 2025 NFL Playoffs, and it’s not Jayden Daniels

The Washington Commanders go to the game on Saturday night against the Detroit Lions as massive underdogs. however, Jaiden Daniels and company ride high after an electric road beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2025 Wild Card round NFL playoffs. The Commander’s season, in general, has already been successful. In head coach Dan Quinn’s first year, the franchise posted its greatest win total in a century and its first playoff victory since 2006.

But it goes without saying that Washington’s opponent is an absolute juggernaut. From a regular season standpoint, this is the greatest Detroit Lions team ever. Head coach Dan Campbell has revitalized this franchise, which is seeking its first Super Bowl. The Lions are returning to the NFC Championship game in last year’s playoffs. Despite going against the odds, the Commanders aren’t planning on their season ending this weekend.

Dan Quinn’s team is currently on a six-game winning streak led by one of the best rookie quarterbacks ever. Jaden Daniels’ season in the nation’s capital has been astounding. The 2023 Heisman Trophy Winner he threw for 25 touchdowns and just nine interceptions while leading the team in rushing with 891 yards and six scores. Those totals were good enough to now give the 2024 Pro Bowl selection the fourth-best KBR in the league.

Daniels continued his great form in the postseason. The Commanders quarterback completed 24 of 35 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns in the 23-20 victory. While Daniels will need to repeat or surpass last weekend’s performance to pull off the upset, he is not the X-factor on Saturday night. That tag belongs to the player who was the unsung hero of the Commanders’ first playoff win in 19 years.

Dayami Brown is the X-factor for Saturday’s clash

Although many NFL fans may not know him outside of the “DMV,” Dayami Brown played for the Washington Commanders for four years. A third-round pick out of North Carolina, the wideout has just 59 catches for 784 yards and four touchdowns in his career. 2024 was Brown’s best season yet, as he caught 30 passes for 308 yards and one touchdownranks sixth in receiving yards on the team.

Despite these limited stats, Brown was one of the main reasons why Washington is now in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. The Charlotte, North Carolina native played his best game when his team needed him the most. Against the Buccaneers, Brown caught all five of his passes for 89 yards and a touchdown.

That score followed a ten-yard pass that calmed Komandira’s nerves after a scoreless first quarter. Jayden Daniels will likely target Brown even more now, especially in Detroit. And Brown is a player who can play a big role in the overall key of this game, which plays into the Detroit Lions’ ultimate weakness.

Commanders should take advantage of the obvious weakness of the Lions to avoid their greatest strength

Although Dan Campbell’s team is elite, it is far from perfect. The Lions have flaws that occasionally reared their ugly heads during the regular season. The standout weakness is the secondary, especially at linebacker. Detroit gives up on third in yards per game through the air.

Specifically, in theirs last loss to the Buffalo BillsThe Lions were crushed by quarterback Josh Allen. The Bills star threw for 362 yards and two touchdowns, scoring a total of 48 points. It’s important to note that Detroit’s defense has strengths. This unit is one of the best at stopping the run and features two phenomenal safeties in Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. However, there’s only so much safeties can do to contain the offense when the cornerbacks are constantly struggling in single coverage.

In this matchup, look for Detroit’s safeties to get into players like Commanders Terry McLaurin and tight end Zach Ertz. Brown is a slot receiver, so he’ll likely be able to draw attention away from Washington’s leaders in receiving yards. If Diami takes advantage of what should be ideal single coverage situations, it should open up the entire offense for Jaden Daniels and company. Olamide Zaccheaus is another player who can also attract this kind of attention. However, Virginia’s sixth-year starter will be out and was less of a target than Jaden Daniels against Tampa Bay.

Overall, Washington likely won’t be able to run the ball as successfully as the Detroit Lions will on Saturday night. The Lions have one of the best ground games in the league and are second in time of possession. Washington allowed the third-most yards in the NFL in 2024. Therefore, Jaden Daniels and the Commandos offense must stay on the field. If they don’t, the Commanders defense will gradually wear down and this game won’t be competitive.

What’s at stake for Washington in this game?

Washington hasn’t appeared in the NFC Championship since winning the Super Bowl in 1991. Jaden Daniels is trying to become the sixth starting quarterback to start in the conference championship game. Only one team that won 15+ games lost in the Divisional Round: the Green Bay Packers in 2011. This game will be played in a dome, which should favor the Commander’s pass-friendly offense. Dan Quinn’s side, however, will want to limit this showdown to as few possessions as possible. Washington is already playing with house money, but it’s time to see if Jayden Daniels puts an exclamation point on the fact that he’s the best rookie QB in NFL history.