The Washington Commanders finished tied for the second-worst record in the NFL last season. They had been a laughingstock for more than 20  years. Getting the No. 2 pick of the NFL Draft, which became Jayden Daniels, provided hope.

It was hoped that things could be better in a few years. Not hope that as a rookie Daniels would lead the Commanders to their first NFC championship game in 33 years.

The Commanders pulled off one of the biggest upsets in divisional-round history, beating the Detroit Lions 45-31 to advance to the NFC championship game while delivering Detroit one of the most crushing losses in recent memory.

Detroit, which went 15-2 in the regular season and needed to win just two home games to make the first Super Bowl in franchise history, is out.