Early signs of stuggle, including three first-half turnovers, put a damper on the mood, but tight end Sam LaPorta’s heroic endzone grab and a clutch 61-yard run from Jameson Williams gave fans plenty to cheer about.

Washington certainly played well enough to win, but the Lions made several critical mistakes throughout the game. Detroit turned the ball over five times, including a pick-six, and surrendered four Commanders scoring drives of 70 yards or more.

Detroit, which needed to win just two home games to make the first Super Bowl in franchise history, is out. The Commanders are moving onto the NFC title game for the first time since the end of the '91 season.