Three things to watch in the 2025 divisional round on Saturday

• OR: Ford Field (Detroit)
• WHEN: 8 p.m. ET | Fox, Fox Deports, NFL+

For the first time this millennium, the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders are simultaneously relevant.

The last time the two clubs met in the playoffs was in 1999, when Washington beat Detroit in the Wild Card Round. Since then, the clubs have not participated in the playoffs in the same season.

On Saturday, two ardent and downtrodden fan bases will watch their clubs fight for the right to play in the NFC championship game.

The Lions’ renaissance continued in 2022, leading to an NFC title berth in 2023. The 2024 season for Dan Campbell’s team wasn’t just about returning to conference play, proving that the last year was not a fluke, but to move on. stage. It was Super Bowl or bust in Detroit.

With the NFL’s best offense and a banged-up but disjointed defense, the Lions won first place for the first time in franchise history. It was the second time they had a bye in the Wild Card round. The first time was in 1991 as a No. 2 seed. Commanders fans might take comfort in the fact that the last season in which Detroit had a bye, Washington blew it in the NFC Championship Game – the last time the Commanders were in the NFC title game.

Washington’s revitalization happened quickly. After back-to-back seasons in the NFC East cellar, Dan Quinn hires and draft quarterback Jayden Daniels this past offseason yielded immediate dividends. Cardiac Commanders have been the kings of the Crucible, generating seven last-minute victories in 2024, including their last five victories on a last-minute play.

Quinn’s steady hand and Daniels’ calming presence as a rookie make Washington believe he can stand alongside anyone, even a 15-win club.

If someone had told you two years ago that these clubs would come together for the right to play in the NFC championship game, you yourself would have laughed to the point of hysteria. For one of these fanbases, the hysteria will continue.