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The 1991 NFC Championship Game wasn't actually an upset on the scoreboard, despite how some look back at it. The 14-2 Washington Redskins thoroughly dismantled the 12-4 Detroit Lions 41-10 at RFK Stadium on January 12, 1992. While fans often misremember the seeding or expect tighter playoff drama, Joe Gibbs's squad left zero doubt about who owned the conference that season, marching straight toward a dominant victory in Super Bowl XXVI.
Understanding why this game unfolded as a blowout requires looking past the final numbers and examining two elite rosters colliding at completely different stages of maturity. Washington featured one of the most efficient offenses and stifling defenses in modern NFL history, while Detroit was enjoying a rare, breakthrough playoff run behind legendary running back Barry Sanders.
The Road to RFK Stadium
Both teams entered the title game playing exceptional football, but their regular-season paths highlighted a gulf in overall dominance. Washington lost only two games all year—both by a combined total of five points—and steamrolled opponents with a balanced attack orchestrated by quarterback Mark Rypien. Their offensive line, famously known as "The Hogs," gave Rypien all day to throw while opening massive running lanes for Earnest Byner.
Detroit, meanwhile, was capturing the imagination of the football world. Under head coach Wayne Fontes, the Lions captured the NFC Central division title and routed the Dallas Cowboys 38-6 in the divisional round for the franchise's first playoff win since 1957. Yet, a glaring warning sign hung over Detroit's season: they had opened the year at RFK Stadium in Week 1 and suffered a humiliating 45-0 shutout at the hands of these same Redskins.
How the Game Was Won
When the opening kickoff sailed into the cold Washington air, the rematch quickly mirrored the Week 1 script. Washington's defense, coordinated by Richie Petitbon, deployed a masterclass in containing Barry Sanders. Linebackers and safeties swarmed the line of scrimmage, limiting Sanders to just 44 yards on 11 carries. Without a ground game to balance the offense, Detroit quarterback Erik Kramer faced relentless pressure from defensive ends Fred Stokes and Charles Mann.
Mark Rypien and the Washington offense capitalized on every short field. Rypien threw for two touchdowns, connecting with star wideouts Gary Clark and Art Monk, while kicker Chip Lohmiller converted four field goals to keep the scoreboard ticking upward.
The Turning Point
The game broke completely open in the second half. Leading comfortably, Washington's defense delivered the final psychological blow when cornerback Darrell Green intercepted an Erik Kramer pass and returned it deep into Detroit territory, setting up another score. That turnover extinguished any flickering hopes of a Lions comeback and turned RFK Stadium into a deafening celebration. By the time the fourth quarter wound down, the 41-10 final score felt entirely accurate to the territorial domination witnessed on the field.
Historical Legacy and Aftermath
For Washington, this victory served as the penultimate step toward a championship legacy. Two weeks later, they defeated the Buffalo Bills 37-24 in Super Bowl XXVI, cementing the 1991 Redskins team as one of the most statistically balanced and dominant units in NFL history. Football outsiders often rank that roster alongside the 1985 Chicago Bears and 1972 Miami Dolphins for sheer peak dominance.
For Detroit, the blowout served as a harsh awakening regarding the physical and tactical gap separating them from perennial NFC royalty. Although Sanders continued to dazzle for years, the franchise wouldn't return to the NFC Championship stage for decades, leaving the 1991 season as both a historic high-water mark and a painful afternoon in the nation's capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who quarterbacked the Detroit Lions in the 1991 NFC Championship Game?
Erik Kramer started under center for Detroit during that playoff run. Regular starter Rodney Peete had suffered an injury earlier in the year, and Kramer guided the Lions through their postseason victories before running into Washington's buzzsaw defense.
Was this game really an upset?
No. Media outlets and oddsmakers actually favored Washington heavily, given their 14-2 regular-season record and prior 45-0 blowout win against Detroit earlier that same season. The "upset" label often stems from casual fans misremembering the seeding or confusing the high-flying nature of Detroit's offense with underdog expectations.
How did Barry Sanders perform in this game?
Washington's defense heavily neutralized him. Sanders was held to 44 rushing yards on 11 carries, completely unable to find his usual explosive running lanes against a disciplined front seven.
Where was the game played?
The game was played at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., taking advantage of Washington's home-field advantage earned through the conference's best record. Learn more about historical stadiums through Pro Football Reference.
