Introduction: A Season of Hope and Resilience

In an NFL season where parity has reigned supreme, the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders stand out as two teams with a unique mixture of history, raw talent, and optimism. Although they might not have the same marquee names or the deep playoff pedigrees of some of the NFC’s traditional powers, there’s a compelling narrative tying these two franchises together: both have shown flashes of potential that could allow them to make deep playoff runs, and they share one crucial element that could ultimately determine whether they reach the NFC Championship Game — a revitalized, high-powered offense.

The narrative of these two teams isn’t just about their hopeful climb out of years of mediocrity or rebuilding; it’s about how both are built around potent, diverse offenses capable of going toe-to-toe with the NFC’s best. For the Lions, it’s the rise of Jared Goff, the efficient quarterback who has developed into a top-tier signal-caller under coach Dan Campbell. For the Commanders, it’s the promising evolution of Sam Howell, a second-year quarterback who’s shown impressive poise and playmaking ability. Together, they form the core of offenses that could carry their respective teams all the way to the NFC Championship game.

In a conference full of heavyweights like the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys, the Lions and Commanders’ offenses will play a defining role in their postseason aspirations. While defense will still matter and every team needs a complete effort to succeed, it’s the offensive firepower, balanced with some improvements in defense, that could tip the scales and set the tone for their playoff chances. Let’s explore how these two teams are positioned, what they have in common, and why their offensive units might be the key to determining who makes it to the NFC title game.

The Detroit Lions: A High-Flying Offense Built for the Big Stage

The Detroit Lions have long been seen as an NFL afterthought, plagued by years of mediocrity and a string of unsuccessful rebuilds. But under head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, the Lions have suddenly become one of the most exciting and dynamic offenses in the NFC. Their success is built around a balanced attack that combines a talented quarterback, explosive skill position players, and a revamped offensive line.

Jared Goff: The Resurgence of a Former No. 1 Overall Pick

When the Lions traded for Jared Goff in 2021, many questioned whether he could ever return to the form that made him the first overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft. At the time, Goff had just been traded from the Los Angeles Rams as part of the deal that brought Matthew Stafford to L.A., a move that had its fair share of doubters. But Goff has silenced those critics in Detroit, as he has arguably played the best football of his career.

In 2023, Goff posted one of the most efficient seasons of his career, showcasing a deft ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver the ball with precision. He’s shown great chemistry with his offensive weapons, particularly Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has emerged as one of the league’s top receivers. Goff’s connection with his skill players and his ability to stay calm under pressure have made the Lions’ offense one of the most difficult to stop in the NFC.

A Diverse Offense: Running Game and Playmakers

While Goff has played at a high level, the Lions’ offensive success isn’t just about the quarterback. The team has developed a balanced attack with a dangerous backfield duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. This combination allows Detroit to mix up its play calling and keep opposing defenses off balance. With the threat of the run game, Goff is able to work play-action, which has proven to be incredibly effective in opening up the passing game.

Detroit also boasts a variety of explosive playmakers. Amon-Ra St. Brown has blossomed into one of the most reliable wide receivers in the league, and rookie tight end Sam LaPorta has quickly become a favorite target. The Lions have a deep and versatile receiving corps that allows Goff to spread the ball around and keep defenses guessing.

The Offensive Line: Protection and Power

One of the most underappreciated aspects of Detroit’s offensive success has been the play of their offensive line. Led by Penei Sewell, the Lions have one of the most physical and well-coached units in the league. This offensive line not only creates running lanes for Montgomery and Gibbs but also provides Goff with ample time to survey the field and make accurate throws. A strong offensive line is a hallmark of playoff-contending teams, and Detroit’s line is one of the best in the NFC.

The Washington Commanders: Sam Howell and the Rise of an Offense

While the Detroit Lions have emerged as an NFC dark horse, the Washington Commanders have quietly built one of the most explosive offenses in the NFC. After years of uncertainty at the quarterback position, the Commanders have found a promising young signal-caller in Sam Howell, who has given Washington fans hope for the future. His emergence has been key in the team’s offensive success and their ability to compete with NFC heavyweights.

Sam Howell: The Quarterback of the Future?

Sam Howell was drafted by the Commanders in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, which didn’t generate much excitement at the time. But Howell has defied expectations and proven himself to be a potential franchise quarterback. His play has been marked by his ability to make big throws under pressure, his mobility to extend plays, and his poise in the pocket.

In 2023, Howell’s performance has improved dramatically, and by midseason, he had already established himself as one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the NFC. He has displayed the ability to push the ball downfield, often relying on his arm strength and accuracy to stretch defenses. He’s also been able to avoid costly turnovers, which is crucial for playoff success.

A Dynamic Cast of Skill Players

Much like the Lions, the Commanders have invested heavily in their offensive skill positions. Terry McLaurin remains one of the top receivers in the league, and Jahan Dotson has shown flashes of brilliance as a complementary option. The emergence of tight end Cole Turner and running back Brian Robinson Jr. has given Howell multiple reliable targets and made Washington’s offense difficult to game-plan for.

The team’s ability to stretch the field vertically with McLaurin and Dotson, while also leaning on Robinson’s power in the running game, provides Washington with the balance needed to be a contender. While the Commanders’ offensive line has been inconsistent, their playmakers have made up for some of those shortcomings by making explosive plays.

A Balanced Attack for the Postseason

Similar to the Lions, Washington’s offensive success isn’t solely dependent on the passing game. Brian Robinson Jr. has proven to be a physical runner who can move the chains and wear down opposing defenses. The balance between a strong running game and the vertical passing attack gives Washington an offense that can keep opposing defenses guessing, which is a crucial trait for any playoff team.

The Shared Link: Offensive Efficiency as a Path to Success

What unites the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders is clear: both teams are built around potent offenses that have the ability to dictate the pace of a game. The NFL has seen a shift toward offenses that can generate explosive plays, and these two teams have embraced that mentality. While defense will always play a crucial role in the postseason, it’s the offensive prowess of these two teams that could be the deciding factor in their playoff success.

In a conference that boasts elite teams like the Eagles, 49ers, and Cowboys, a high-powered offense can provide the perfect counterbalance. Whether it’s Jared Goff’s ability to carve up defenses with precision passing or Sam Howell’s playmaking ability under pressure, both quarterbacks have shown they can perform on the biggest stages. When paired with strong supporting casts and balanced offensive schemes, the Lions and Commanders could very well find themselves in a position to knock off the NFC’s elite teams.

Moreover, in the postseason, games often come down to the ability to execute in critical moments, and both of these teams have quarterbacks who are capable of leading game-winning drives. If they can continue to play at a high level and maintain offensive efficiency, the Lions and Commanders could become legitimate threats to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.