2025 NFC Championship Game open thread: Commanders at Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills were generally expected to make it to Conference Championship weekend. No one at the start of the season could’ve foreseen the Washington Commanders reaching the NFC Championship Game under rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. If the Commanders shock the Eagles in Philadelphia, Daniels will be the first starting rookie QB to ever reach the Super Bowl. It’d also be a return to the Super Bowl for former Seahawks like current Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, assistants Ken Norton Jr and Bobby Engram, and legendary linebacker Bobby Wagner.

For those reasons alone I find myself cheering for the Seattle Sea-manders to upset Jalen Hurts and company. If it doesn’t happen, it’s still a tremendous season for the Commanders.

Lest we forget the Eagles still are the favorites and could reach the Super Bowl for the second time in three seasons under Nick Sirianni, who’s been the butt of jokes and subject to heavy criticism at times, but he’s got his team on the cusp of the Lombardi Trophy again.

The first meeting went in Philadelphia’s favor 26-18, while the rematch was won 34-33 by the Commanders despite five turnovers. Kenny Pickett played the bulk of the rematch while Hurts was concussed, and Hurts is seemingly not 100 percent for the rubber match. We’ll see how much Saquon Barkley makes a difference against a suspect Washington-run defense.

FOX has the kickoff starting at 3 pm ET/noon PT! Enjoy!