Standing in their way are the Washington Commanders, a team that completed an even faster turnaround after a four-win season a year ago. Washington won its wild-card clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers thanks to the outstanding performance of rookie quarterback phenom Jayden Daniels (and some help from the right upright on a game-winning field goal attempt).

A first-round bye, back-to-back division titles and a franchise-record 15 wins for the Lions will not result in the Super Bowl glory this franchise and their fans have waited for.

Detroit Lions have most of their core locked down for the foreseeable future, but have key players set to hit 2025 NFL free agency after the season.