DETROIT — Hope is not a word that’s generally been associated with Detroit.&nbsp;

It’s a city that has struggled economically and one that also has had its struggles in sports, specifically with the Lions.&nbsp;

It wasn’t long ago that the Lions were considered the laughingstock of the NFL, perennial losers who, on the rare occasions when they did reach the playoffs, lost, lost and lost some more.&nbsp;

<div class="nyp-slideshow-modal-image__wrapper"><a href="#" aria-controls="nyp-slideshow-modal" data-slideshow-modal="trigger" title="Open a slideshow of all 3 article images." aria-label="Open a slideshow of all 3 article images." data-slideshow-slide-number="1" data-slideshow-slides-total="3"> 3 </a></div><figcaption>Dan Campbell looks on during the Lions-Vikings game on Jan. 5, 2025. Getty Images</figcaption>

Before last season, the Lions hadn’t won a playoff game since they reached the 1991 NFC Championship game. They were 0-9 in the postseason since that ’91 title game before going on their run to the conference championship game last season.&nbsp;

Both the Lions and Commanders have hope that, not long ago, they believed imaginable. {ai:summary}Detroit has long been associated with economic struggles and a lack of success in sports, particularly with the Lions, who were often seen as the NFL's laughingstock. Historically, the team had not won a playoff game since 1991, suffering nine consecutive postseason losses.However, the Lions have recently shown promise, making a run to the conference championship game last season, marking a significant turnaround for the franchise. #sports

Lions, Commanders have found success when all hope seemed lost

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