NFC and AFC Championship Games Set as Commanders Upset Lions
In an unexpected turn of events during Saturday's NFL divisional round, the No. 6 Washington Commanders achieved a stunning 45-31 upset against the top-seeded Detroit Lions. This victory set the stage for an exciting Sunday, where closely matched teams battled in two thrilling games. The Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills each secured narrow victories against the Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens, respectively, with each game being decided by less than a touchdown. The Ravens remained competitive until the final moments in their 27-25 defeat to the Bills, while the Rams made a valiant effort to upset the Eagles, ultimately falling short at 28-22. As a result, the conference championship games are now on the horizon.
The matchup will feature the Commanders attempting to extend their streak of road upsets against the Eagles, while the Bills are set to face the Kansas City Chiefs once again in the postseason. The Bills will be looking for a different outcome after having lost all three prior playoff encounters with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. This tension-filled rematch is anticipated with great interest, especially considering that the Bills previously ended the Chiefs' undefeated run in Week 11, benefiting from a strong defensive performance that included two interceptions of Mahomes. Their success against the Baltimore Ravens, including three forced turnovers, propelled them into the conference championship.
The NFC Championship promises to be equally captivating, with the Eagles and Commanders renewing their rivalry. Washington, backed by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, has demonstrated resilience, winning two road playoff matches against formidable opponents like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. Historically, Washington and Philadelphia split their encounters during the regular season, with the Eagles winning the Week 11 meeting, largely due to the efforts of running back Saquon Barkley, who accumulated 146 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Anticipation builds as these two teams prepare for an intense showdown, with many projecting that Barkley may once again play a pivotal role in leading the Eagles toward a potential Super Bowl LIX appearance.