The Washington Commanders, yes, the Washington Commanders, are in the NFC Championship. While no one — not even Commanders fans — expected this before the season, the unthinkable has happened. For the first time since the 1991 season, Washington is one of the last four teams left in the NFL playoffs.
To put it into perspective, that season was over 30 years ago, when the internet was just becoming available to the public (with only one website to visit), Vanilla Ice was a pop culture icon, and Joe’s Crab Shack had just started serving seafood. It’s hard to imagine a time without Joe’s Crab Shack, right?
Back in ’91, the Commanders not only won the NFC Championship but also defeated the Buffalo Bills in the Super Bowl. Could history be about to repeat itself? Let’s look at the numbers to see if Washington might be on the path to another title.
The Case for the Commanders
First, let’s consider a stat that could boost Washington’s chances: extra rest. Teams that play on Saturday in the divisional round — like the Commanders did — have a solid record of 20-10 in the conference title round over the past 15 years. And here’s a surprising stat: at least one team playing on Saturday has made it to the Super Bowl in 17 of the past 19 years. So, Washington’s odds of making it to the big game could be better than they seem.
Why does the extra day matter? It’s simple: while the Eagles were fighting in a tough one-score game in a snowstorm against the Rams, the Commanders were at home, resting comfortably and watching the Lions lose. Advantage, Washington, right?
However, before thinking this is a done deal, there’s a catch: the Commanders are playing on the road, and home-field advantage has been significant in NFC Championship games. In the last 11 years, the home team has won 9 times.
This includes two dominant wins by the Eagles, where they outscored their opponents 69-14. On the other hand, the AFC has seen a more balanced playoff history, with home teams winning 8 of the past 11 seasons.
A Road to Glory?
It’s not impossible for road teams to succeed — Washington is 2-0 on the road in the postseason — but the numbers aren’t in the Commanders’ favor. Road teams this postseason are 2-8, so Washington has an uphill battle. However, they are the one team with the potential to pull off an upset.
NFC Championship Pick
The matchup: Washington (14-5) at Philadelphia (16-3), 3 p.m. ET (Fox).
I’m relieved the Eagles won in the divisional round because it keeps alive the greatest rivalry in sports: Me vs. Eagles fans. No other fanbase reacts quicker 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 accepted that, who knows?
But here we are, with the Commanders — my new favorite team, thanks to their victory over the Lions that made me look smart. Can I really pick against them now? Do I dare pick the Eagles again? Maybe. But Washington’s run has been amazing.
Here’s the kicker: Washington is in the NFC Championship with a rookie quarterback. Getting this far with a first-year starter is nearly impossible. It’s like running a marathon in flip-flops while carrying a baby — not an easy task.
So, am I talking myself into picking Washington over Philadelphia in this NFC Championship? Let’s see if I’m ready to pick a team that’s made me a believer, despite the odds.
Stay tuned to see if the Commanders’ incredible playoff run continues or if the Eagles will reach the Super Bowl. One thing is certain: this NFC Championship will be one for the books.
