The Washington Commanders are making their first NFC Championship appearance in years, having undergone a significant transformation since the departure of former owner Dan Snyder. After 24 years of controversy under Snyder, fans are now witnessing a resurgence, highlighted by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels' electrifying performance. With the team back in contention, many believe the absence of Snyder has been a catalyst for their success this season.

New owner Josh Harris purchased the franchise for $6.05 billion and has already made strides in revitalizing the roster. Commanders fans are reveling in the current playoff run, contrasting sharply with their experiences during Snyder's tenure, which was marred by scandals and lack of success. The end of Snyder's era has sparked hope for a brighter future and a legitimate chance at a Super Bowl.

Zane Gonzalez, kicker for the Washington Commanders, recently went viral after a humorous moment captured before his game-winning field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During a special teams meeting, he reenacted the pre-kick ritual that caught the attention of NBC cameras, which included adjusting his sock, fixing his hair, and tapping his helmet before successfully making the kick that led his team to the divisional round.

The spotlight on Gonzalez's routine also prompted discussions about his long-standing battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), providing him with an opportunity to raise awareness about the condition. He emphasized the importance of humility and humor in coping with his OCD, which he has managed since childhood.

Coach Dan Quinn praised Gonzalez for his courage in sharing his experiences, while teammates like Tress Way and Tyler Ott expressed surprise at learning about his condition. Gonzalez’s performance has solidified his role in the Commanders' roster, stabilizing a kicking situation that has seen numerous changes this season.

The Detroit Lions will face significant challenges in their upcoming divisional round matchup against the Washington Commanders as starting right guard Kevin Zeitler has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Zeitler suffered this injury during the regular-season finale against the Minnesota Vikings on January 5. His absence is a considerable blow to the Lions' offensive line, which will need to adjust with either rookie Christian Mahogany or Kayode Awosika stepping into the starting role.

In addition to Zeitler, the Lions will be without defensive lineman Pat O’Connor, who is dealing with a calf injury. Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw is questionable as he grapples with a hamstring issue along with an illness, leaving the Lions with a few uncertainties heading into Saturday night’s game. Coach Dan Campbell remains optimistic about his team's prospects despite these setbacks, expressing confidence in the backups.

The Commanders, on the other hand, are likely to field a full-strength team, including six-time All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner, who has overcome an ankle injury that sidelined him for practice earlier in the week. Wagner, who played a pivotal role in the team’s wild-card victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has downplayed any concerns regarding his health, focusing instead on the upcoming game. Rookie linebacker Jordan Magee has been ruled out due to a hamstring issue, while linebacker Mykal Walker and rookie tight end Colson Yankoff are both listed as questionable due to illness and injury respectively. Meanwhile, kicker Zane Gonzalez, who secured the win against Tampa Bay with a last-second field goal, is expected to play despite earlier concerns regarding his hip injury.

The Detroit Lions face a significant setback as they prepare to host the Washington Commanders in the divisional round, with starting right guard Kevin Zeitler sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Zeitler's injury prevented him from participating in the regular-season finale against Minnesota, and he has been officially ruled out for the upcoming game. Additionally, defensive lineman Pat O’Connor is also out with a calf injury, while cornerback Ennis Rakestraw’s participation remains uncertain due to a combination of a hamstring issue and illness.

In Zeitler's absence, the Lions may turn to rookie Christian Mahogany or Kayode Awosika to fill the gap on the offensive line. Mahogany, a sixth-round draft pick, has seen limited action this season, starting only one game out of seven appearances. Despite the challenges, Lions coach Dan Campbell expressed confidence in the team's ability to adapt, stating, “We feel like we’re in good hands.”

On the other side, the Commanders appear to be nearly at full strength, with six-time All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner set to return after a brief absence due to an ankle injury. Wagner participated in limited practice leading up to the game and assured reporters that he feels prepared to play, although he remained cryptic about the specifics of his injury, emphasizing the need to focus on the game against the Lions.