As the calendar flips to January 26, 2026, the NFL world turns its attention to a pair of high-stakes showdowns: the AFC and NFC Championship Games. With Super Bowl dreams on the line, the New England Patriots square off against the Denver Broncos in the Mile High City, while the Los Angeles Rams travel north to battle the Seattle Seahawks for a third time this season. Both games promise drama, strategy, and breakout performances as fans and analysts alike dissect every angle and prop bet heading into Sunday.
In the AFC, all eyes are on the Patriots-Broncos clash. The Patriots, favored by 5.5 points, are riding a wave of confidence after dispatching the Houston Texans in the divisional round. Their offense, a blend of youthful exuberance and veteran savvy, has found a new rhythm in the postseason. Rhamondre Stevenson, New England’s workhorse back, has quietly become a focal point. Despite missing part of the Texans game due to an eye injury, Stevenson still managed 16 carries for 70 yards and caught all four of his targets for 11 yards. Through two playoff games, he’s racked up 123 rushing yards on 26 carries and added seven catches for 86 yards—impressive numbers, even if he hasn’t yet found the end zone in the postseason.
Peter Dewey, a senior editor for Sports Illustrated Betting, sees Stevenson as a prime candidate to break his playoff scoring drought. “The clear lead back for New England, Stevenson has yet to find the end zone in the playoffs after scoring nine times in 14 games during the regular season,” Dewey notes. He points out that Denver’s run defense, which surrendered 117 yards on 24 carries to James Cook in the divisional round, could be vulnerable again. “I love this matchup for Stevenson, as the Broncos struggled mightily against the run in the divisional round,” Dewey adds, highlighting Stevenson’s versatility as both a runner and receiver.
Yet, the Patriots’ offensive arsenal doesn’t stop there. Kayshon Boutte, the team’s emerging second wide receiver, has been on a tear this postseason. In the last two playoff games, Boutte hauled in four catches for 66 yards against the Chargers and followed up with three grabs for 75 yards and a touchdown against the Texans. Those numbers have caught the attention of bettors and analysts alike. Oddsmakers have set his receiving props at over 2.5 receptions and over 28.5 yards for Sunday’s game—a testament to his growing role in the offense.
Iain MacMillan, a senior editor and NFL betting expert, is bullish on Boutte’s chances to score again, offering +280 odds for an anytime touchdown. “Assuming Surtain shadows New England's top wideout, Stefon Diggs, things could open up in a big way for their No. 2 receiver, Kayshon Boutte. He has been hot in the playoffs, racking up a combined seven receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown,” MacMillan observes. The Broncos’ defense, ranked 13th against WR2s (allowing 48.1 yards per game) but fifth against WR1s, may be forced to concede opportunities to Boutte if Patrick Surtain Jr. locks down Diggs.
Meanwhile, the Broncos will be looking for answers on both sides of the ball. The franchise has made headlines off the field as well, with news breaking on January 23 that the Buffalo Bills interviewed former NFL quarterback and current high school coach Philip Rivers, age 44, for their head coach opening. Rivers, who has coached at the high school level since 2021 but has no professional coaching experience, is seen as a long-shot but intriguing candidate. Another name in the mix is Davis Webb, the Broncos’ 31-year-old quarterbacks coach and a former NFL backup who spent time with the Bills from 2019 to 2021. Webb, who only recently transitioned from player to coach, is now garnering head coach interest across the league—Buffalo included. The Bills’ desire to bring Webb aboard after the 2021 season, and his subsequent stint with the Giants before joining Denver’s staff in 2023, speaks to his rapid ascent in coaching circles. As of January 25, Webb remains a candidate for NFL head coaching jobs, including possibly in Buffalo.
Switching gears to the NFC, the Rams and Seahawks are set for a fierce divisional rematch in Seattle, with the Seahawks favored by 2.5 points. The narrative here revolves around two explosive offenses and the impact of key injuries. Kenneth Walker, Seattle’s dynamic running back, is expected to shoulder an even larger load with Zach Charbonnet sidelined. Walker exploded in the divisional round, tallying 19 carries for 116 yards and three touchdowns, along with three receptions for 29 yards in a blowout of the San Francisco 49ers. Bettors are eyeing his receiving props, with over 20.5 and even over 39.5 yards in play, given his past success against the Rams—three catches for 64 yards and three for 44 yards in their previous meetings this season.
With the Rams likely to turn the contest into a shootout, Walker’s versatility as a pass-catcher could be pivotal. The Seahawks’ offense, already potent, may become even more unpredictable as they adapt to Charbonnet’s absence. For fans and bettors alike, Walker represents one of the weekend’s most enticing wild cards.
Of course, the conference championships aren’t just about the stars. They’re about matchups, adjustments, and the unsung heroes who rise to the occasion. The Patriots will need to find ways to exploit Denver’s defensive tendencies, particularly if Surtain neutralizes Diggs. That could mean a heavier dose of Boutte and Stevenson, both of whom are trending up at the perfect time. The Broncos’ ability to contain the run and force New England into uncomfortable situations will be critical if they hope to pull off the upset at home.
In Seattle, the chess match between the Rams’ creative offense and the Seahawks’ opportunistic defense will likely decide who advances. Can Walker replicate his previous success against Los Angeles, or will the Rams adjust and force Seattle to look elsewhere? And with the stakes so high, will a new postseason hero emerge from the shadows?
As Sunday approaches, anticipation is at a fever pitch. The conference championship games offer everything fans crave: star power, tactical intrigue, and the promise of history in the making. Whether it’s a breakout performance from a rising star like Boutte or Walker, a workhorse effort from Stevenson, or a coaching shakeup that reverberates across the league, this weekend will shape the NFL landscape for years to come.
With kickoff just hours away, all that’s left is to settle in and watch the drama unfold. The road to the Super Bowl is never easy, but for these four teams, the next step is within reach—and the whole football world will be watching.