NFC Today

* Story line: The Redskins once thought Gus Frerotte would be a good enough quarterback to take them to the playoffs, so they jettisoned first-round pick Heath Shuler. Now Frerotte will be on hand for Washington’s first playoff game since 1991--only as Detroit’s starting quarterback, in place of the injured Charlie Batch. The Redskins, champions of the NFC East, won five of their last seven games to save their season--and Coach Norv Turner’s job. The Redskins aren’t sure how much they’ll get out of running back Stephen Davis, who sat out the last two games because of a sprained ankle.

* Key offensive stat: The Lions average 77.8 yards rushing a game, 28th in the league.

* Key defensive stat: The Redskins gave up 356.6 yards a game. Only the Cleveland Browns gave up more, 377.9.

* Potential star of the game: Lion Pro Bowl defensive end Robert Porcher had 15 1/2 sacks this season and he’ll be matched up against a rookie, Redskin right tackle Jon Jansen.

* But keep an eye on: Washington wide receiver Albert Connell. He averaged 18.3 yards a catch this season and gave Washington a second 1,000-yard receiver to go with Michael Westbrook.

* History says: The Detroit Lions have never won at Washington. The streak covers 17 regular-season and two playoff games.

* Injury update: Detroit quarterback Charlie Batch (thumb) will sit out, wide receiver Desmond Howard (neck) is doubtful, linebacker Allen Aldridge (hip) is questionable, cornerback J.B. Brown (groin), defensive tackle Luther Elliss (ankle), receiver Herman Moore (calf) and Porcher (back) are probable. Washington cornerback Champ Bailey (thumb), receiver Albert Connell (shoulder), Davis (ankle), guard Tre Johnson (thigh), linebacker Greg Jones (back) and safeties Darryl Pounds (back) and Matt Stevens (shoulder) are probable.

* And the winner is: Washington. No vengeance for Frerotte, who was cut by the Redskins last February, as the strangest streak in football goes on.

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Detroit at Washington

1 p.m., Channel 7