The NFL conference championship games are now set after an exciting divisional weekend, with the Denver Broncos set to host the New England Patriots in the AFC title game and the Seattle Seahawks preparing to face the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC championship. Both matchups promise high stakes as the winners will advance to Super Bowl LX in 2026.
In the AFC, the Broncos secured their spot with a dramatic overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills, showcasing their resilience with a league-record 13 comeback wins this season. However, they face a significant challenge as starting quarterback Bo Nix is out for the rest of the playoffs with a fractured ankle, forcing backup Jarrett Stidham into the spotlight. The Patriots, led by MVP candidate Drake Maye, defeated the Houston Texans convincingly, with Maye’s performance highlighting New England’s potent passing attack. Historical context adds intrigue, as the Broncos hold a 4-1 playoff advantage over the Patriots, including key AFC Championship wins in 2013 and 2015.
Meanwhile, the NFC features a clash between the Seahawks and Rams, who split their regular-season meetings in close contests. The Seahawks advanced by dominating the San Francisco 49ers, thanks to a top-ranked defense and special teams play, despite quarterback Sam Darnold battling an oblique injury. The Rams, on the other hand, edged out the Chicago Bears in overtime, relying on the experience of quarterback Matthew Stafford and the offensive firepower of wide receiver Puka Nacua. Seattle’s home-field advantage at Lumen Field could be a factor, given their perfect 3-0 record in NFC Championship Games at home.
Key storylines emerge from both conferences. For the Broncos, the absence of Nix shifts focus to their defense, which must step up against Maye and the Patriots’ offense. ESPN’s Football Power Index projects the Patriots as favorites, with a 60% chance to win, but Denver’s defensive strengths, including cornerback Pat Surtain II and a strong pass rush, could level the playing field. In the NFC, the Seahawks’ defense, which held the 49ers to nine points in two games, will test Stafford and the Rams’ efficient offense, ranked first in EPA per play during the regular season.
Injury updates further shape the narratives. Beyond Nix’s absence, the Seahawks are monitoring Darnold’s health, though their supporting cast has proven capable. The Rams have no major injury concerns, with running back Kyren Williams coming off a strong performance. Betting lines from ESPN list the Patriots as 4.5-point favorites over the Broncos, while the Seahawks are favored by 2.5 points at home against the Rams, reflecting closely contested expectations.
The conference championships, scheduled for Sunday, January 25, 2026, will be broadcast on CBS for the AFC game and FOX for the NFC matchup. These games not only determine Super Bowl participants but also feature personal and team rivalries, such as the Broncos’ quest for a fourth Super Bowl title and the Seahawks’ aim to capitalize on their defensive prowess. For the Patriots, a win would mark a return to the Super Bowl after a hiatus, leveraging Maye’s breakout season.
As teams prepare, strategies will revolve around quarterback play and defensive adjustments. The Broncos hope Stidham can manage the game effectively behind a stellar offensive line, while the Patriots look to exploit Denver’s quarterback situation. In the NFC, the Rams must solve Seattle’s stout run defense to balance their attack, and the Seahawks need Darnold to avoid turnovers against an opportunistic Rams defense. Ultimately, these matchups highlight the unpredictability of the NFL playoffs, where resilience and timely performances often decide championships.
