Commanders NFC Championship Run A Surprising Playoff Cinderella Story

The Washington Commanders, yes, the Washington Commanders, are in the NFC Championship. And while no one — not even Commanders fans — saw this coming before the season, the unthinkable has happened. For the first time since the 1991 season, Washington is one of the final four teams standing in the NFL playoffs.

To put it into perspective, that season was over three decades ago, a time when the internet was a newly public phenomenon (with only one website to boot), Vanilla Ice was the face of pop culture, and Joe’s Crab Shack was just starting to serve up its first helping of family-friendly seafood. Yes, a world without Joe’s Crab Shack seems impossible now, doesn’t it?

Back in ’91, the Commanders not only clinched the NFC Championship but also took down the Buffalo Bills in the Super Bowl. So could history be on the verge of repeating itself? Let’s dive into the numbers to see if the stars are aligning for another title run.

The Case for the Commanders

First, let’s talk about a stat that favors Washington’s chances: extra rest. In the NFL, teams that play on Saturday during the divisional round — like the Commanders did — have an impressive record of 20-10 in the conference title round over the past 15 years. And here’s a stat that might raise some eyebrows: at least one team playing on Saturday has advanced to the Super Bowl in 17 of the past 19 years. So, Washington’s odds of making it to the big game might be better than they seem.

Why does the extra day matter? Simple: while the Eagles were battling in a brutal one-score game in a blizzard against the Rams, the Commanders were at home, sitting comfortably, and laughing at the Lions for their loss. Advantage, Washington, right?

But before you start thinking this is a done deal, there’s a catch: the Commanders are on the road, and home-field advantage has been huge in NFC Championship games. Over the past 11 years, the home team has won nine times. And that includes two dominating wins by the Eagles, where they outscored their opponents 69-14. In contrast, the AFC has seen a slightly more balanced playoff history, with home teams winning eight of the past 11 seasons.

A Road to Glory?

It’s not impossible for road teams to prevail — after all, Washington is 2-0 on the road in this postseason — but the numbers don’t exactly favor the Commanders. Road teams this postseason are 2-8, so they’re fighting an uphill battle. That said, Washington is the one team with the track record to pull off the upset.

NFC Championship Pick

The matchup: Washington (14-5) at Philadelphia (16-3), 3 p.m. ET (Fox).

I’m almost relieved that the Eagles managed to win in the divisional round because it keeps alive the greatest rivalry in sports: Me vs. Eagles fans. No other fanbase reacts as quickly when I pick against them — 18 minutes after my divisional round picks went live, an Eagles fan was already calling me out.

Sure, I may have picked against Philly six times this season and gone 0-6 in those picks, but let’s be real: I always picked them to win in their losses. Maybe I’ve subconsciously made peace with that, who knows?

But now, here we are, with the Commanders — my new favorite team, thanks to them making me look like a genius after their victory over the Lions. Can I really go against them now? Do I dare defy the football gods and pick the Eagles once again? Maybe. But Washington’s run has been nothing short of miraculous.

Here’s the kicker: Washington is in the NFC Championship with a rookie quarterback. Getting this far with a first-year starter is practically unheard of. It’s like running a marathon in flip-flops while carrying a baby — not exactly the easiest of feats.

So, am I already talking myself into picking Washington over Philadelphia in this NFC Championship matchup? Let’s see if I’m truly ready to pick a team that’s made me a believer, despite the odds stacked against them.

Stay tuned to find out if the Commanders’ incredible playoff run continues or if the Eagles are going to soar to the Super Bowl. One thing’s for sure: this NFC Championship is going to be one for the history books.