Did you see that Commanders Week 17 versus Falcons finish? Jayden Daniels once again put the Washington Commanders on his back, delivering a clutch overtime touchdown to tight end Zach Ertz that secured a 30–24 victory over Atlanta — and clinched a playoff berth.
“I really can’t put into words how much it means,” Daniels said. “To lead this franchise to opportunities like that — it’s special.”
Washington improved to 11-5 with the win and remains in contention for the NFC’s sixth seed entering the final week of the regular season.
Daniels Dominates in Commanders Week 17 Versus Falcons
Daniels ran for a season-high 127 yards, including 42 in overtime, and completed 24 of 36 passes for 227 yards with three touchdowns. Two went to Ertz and one to Olamide Zaccheaus. The rookie also overcame an interception and a 10-point halftime deficit.
“You want to be in these moments,” said linebacker Bobby Wagner. “Everybody believes he’s going to make a play.”
With 30 total touchdowns and 864 rushing yards, Daniels passed Robert Griffin III for the most rushing yards by a rookie QB in franchise history and tied Russell Wilson for third-most touchdowns by a rookie in NFL history.
Commanders Clinch Playoff Spot With OT Heroics
In a game that featured two top-10 rookie quarterbacks, it was Daniels who had the final word. He led a 75-yard overtime drive after Atlanta missed a game-winning field goal attempt at the end of regulation. The drive ended with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Ertz — sealing Washington’s third straight win.
“The fan base waited a long time for this,” Daniels said.
Washington will face Dallas in Week 18 with a chance to improve playoff seeding. A win could bump the Commanders up to the sixth seed, setting up a trip to Tampa Bay or Los Angeles in the Wild Card round.
Falcons Collapse in Second Half
The Falcons (8-8) were in control early behind a strong first half from Bijan Robinson, who had 82 rushing yards and two scores before halftime. But after abandoning the run, Atlanta’s offense struggled to maintain momentum.
Rookie QB Michael Penix Jr., making his second start, completed 19-of-35 passes for 223 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. He tied the game at 24 late with a scoring strike to Kyle Pitts, but couldn’t get Atlanta over the line in overtime.
“It’s always a fight with them,” said Commanders LB Frankie Luvu. “But we stuck to our fundamentals.”
A final drive gave kicker Riley Patterson a shot at a 56-yard game-winner, but the attempt fell short.
? View Full Box Score: Commanders vs. Falcons – Week 17
Milestones in Commanders Week 17 Versus Falcons
- Jayden Daniels: 30 total TDs; 864 rushing yards — most ever by a Washington rookie QB.
- Zach Ertz: Became 9th TE in NFL history with over 8,000 career receiving yards.
- Drake London (ATL): 7 catches, 106 yards — his first 1,000-yard season.
What’s Next After Commanders Week 17 Versus Falcons
- Commanders (11-5): Visit the Dallas Cowboys next Sunday with playoff seeding on the line.
- Falcons (8-8): Host the Carolina Panthers while watching for a Saints win over the Buccaneers to stay alive in the playoff race.