For the first time since 1991, the Washington Commanders are heading to the NFC Championship Game, marking a remarkable turnaround from a preseason outlook that had them as long shots for the Super Bowl. After a stunning victory over the top-seeded Detroit Lions, the Commanders prepare to face their rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. This season, quarterback Jayden Daniels has broken records and is a frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year, while head coach Dan Quinn is aiming to lead two teams to the Super Bowl in his first two seasons. The Commanders’ success is built on aggressive offseason acquisitions and a standout draft performance.

Among the key players are Daniels, who has established himself with impressive statistics, including achieving 500 passing yards and rushing for nearly 100 in the playoffs. Defensive efforts have been pivotal as well, with contributions from new signings like linebacker Bobby Wagner and defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. Washington's fans are buzzing with hope as they edge closer to a potential Super Bowl berth.

Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen renew their postseason rivalry with the Kansas City Chiefs facing the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game for the fourth time in five years. Mahomes leads their playoff matchups 3-0, having won the last three encounters, including previous AFC title games and divisional round showdowns. This one-sided history contrasts with most quarterback rivalries of this nature, which tend to be more evenly matched.

The Chiefs have the opportunity to make history by becoming only the third pair of quarterbacks to achieve four playoff victories over the same opponent, with Mahomes looking to join the ranks of Brady and Favre. In the other matchup, notable performances have been seen across the league, particularly from Saquon Barkley, who set the Eagles' playoff rushing record against the Los Angeles Rams.

The Washington Commanders have made an unexpected run to the NFC Championship Game, finishing the regular season with a 12-5 record after enduring a rough 4-13 season just a year prior. The organization's significant turnaround is attributed to a complete restructuring initiated by the hiring of new General Manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn, following the dismissal of Ron Rivera. Key player acquisitions, including veterans Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz, along with the drafting of standout quarterback Jayden Daniels, contributed to this remarkable transformation.

The journey began with a disheartening loss against the Dallas Cowboys in January 2024, leading to Rivera's firing. The team's new ownership, led by Josh Harris, recognized the need for a fresh direction. This resulted in the swift hiring of Peters, who had previously worked with the San Francisco 49ers. Quinn was secured soon after, transitioning from his successful stint as the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys.

Throughout the offseason, the Commanders made bold moves in free agency, significantly bolstering their roster. They not only signed established players like Ertz but also made strategic trades, including dealing quarterback Sam Howell to Seattle. With the selection of Daniels, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner from LSU, the team signaled its commitment to a brighter future. By training camp, the rookie was named the starter, showcasing his potential with impressive performances in preseason games. The team's resilience culminated in a thrilling playoff run, highlighted by a victory over the Detroit Lions, sending Washington to its first NFC Championship game in over three decades.

The Dallas Cowboys are facing another pivotal moment after parting ways with head coach Mike McCarthy. Owner Jerry Jones has attempted many resets in his tenure, yet the franchise has not advanced to the Super Bowl or even the NFC title game for nearly three decades. The Cowboys now hold the record for the longest NFC title game drought, dating back to the 1995 season when they last won the Super Bowl. This season, former assistants Dan Quinn and Kellen Moore are competing in the NFC title game, highlighting the Cowboys' struggles to reclaim their former glory.

Brian Schottenheimer is the frontrunner to become the next head coach as the organization evaluates its coaching staff. A retrospective of the Cowboys' performance since their last Super Bowl win reveals a mix of highs and lows. Notable seasons include 1996 and 2007, both of which ended in disappointing playoff performances. Recent years have seen a decline, with the 2024 season resulting in a lack of playoff appearances, marking a rocky period that ultimately led to McCarthy's dismissal.

The Detroit Lions' season came to a surprising halt with a loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional round, leading to speculation about the futures of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Both coordinators faced intense scrutiny after their units made crucial mistakes in a game that many viewed as a pivotal moment for the franchise.

Despite the disappointing performance, analysts urge patience regarding Johnson and Glenn, reminding fans that a single game shouldn't define their coaching abilities. Their past successes suggest that this loss may be an outlier rather than a trend, and both coordinators are still considered among the league's best assistants.