- WHERE: Ford Field (Detroit)
- WHEN: 8 p.m. ET | Fox, Fox Deportes, NFL+
For the first time this millennium, the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders are relevant simultaneously.
The last time the two clubs faced off in the postseason came in 1999 when Washington blasted Detroit in the Wild Card Round. Since then, the clubs haven’t been to the playoffs in the same season.
Saturday, two ardent, downtrodden fan bases will see their clubs battle for the right to play in the NFC Championship Game.
The Lions’ revival came down the stretch in 2022, leading to an NFC title game berth in 2023. The 2024 season for Dan Campbell’s crew has been about not just returning to the conference showdown, proving last year was no fluke, but taking that next step. It’s been Super Bowl or bust in Detroit.
With the NFL’s top offense and a banged-up but scrappy defense, the Lions earned the No. 1 seed for the first time in franchise history. It marked the second time they’ve had a bye in the Wild Card Round. The first time came in 1991 as the No. 2 seed. Commanders fans might take solace that the last season in which Detroit had a bye, Washington blew it out in the NFC Championship Game — the last time the Commanders were in the NFC title tilt.
Washington’s revitalization came swiftly. After back-to-back seasons in the NFC East cellar, hiring Dan Quinn and drafting quarterback Jayden Daniels this past offseason provided immediate dividends. The Cardiac Commanders were kings of the crucible, generating seven last-minute wins in 2024, including their last five victories coming down to a last-minute play.
Quinn’s steady hand and Daniels’ calming presence as a rookie have Washington believing it can stand with anyone, even a 15-win club.
If someone told you two years ago these clubs would meet for a right to go to the NFC Championship Game, you would have laughed yourself into hysteria. For one of these fanbases, the hysteria will continue.
- Quarterback matchups: The Divisional Round is known for featuring some of the best quarterback duels in the NFL playoffs. Keep an eye on which QBs will be facing off against each other and how they perform under pressure. Will a veteran like Tom Brady continue his playoff success, or will a young gun like Patrick Mahomes lead his team to victory?
- Key injuries: Injuries can have a major impact on the outcome of a game, especially in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs. Watch for any key players who may be dealing with injuries leading up to the Divisional Round and how their absence or limited playtime could affect their team’s chances of advancing to the conference championship.
- Coaching strategies: The Divisional Round is when coaching decisions can make or break a team’s chances of advancing. Pay attention to how coaches handle crucial moments, such as fourth-down decisions, clock management, and playcalling. Will a bold coaching decision be the difference-maker in a close game, or will conservative playcalling cost a team a shot at the conference championship?
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