Patriots Face Broncos Seahawks Host Rams In NFL Championship Showdowns

The NFL’s postseason drama is reaching a fever pitch as only four teams remain in the hunt for Super Bowl LX glory. With the conference championship games set for Sunday, January 25, 2026, fans are bracing for a football-filled day that will decide who advances to the biggest stage in American sports. For the first time this postseason, Saturday is devoid of NFL action, but anticipation is sky-high for the doubleheader that will determine the AFC and NFC champions.

Let’s start with the AFC, where the Denver Broncos welcome the New England Patriots to Empower Field at Mile High for a 3:00 p.m. ET kickoff on CBS. Both teams have storied histories in the postseason, but this matchup comes with an extra layer of intrigue. The Broncos are facing adversity after quarterback Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury during their narrow divisional win over the Buffalo Bills. With Nix placed on injured reserve, all eyes turn to backup Jarrett Stidham, who now shoulders the hopes of a franchise hungry for its fourth Super Bowl title. The Patriots, meanwhile, arrive at full strength and as the favorites, with Las Vegas odds giving them a -5.5 edge over the home team.

Weather could play a major role in Denver. Forecasts predict brutally cold temperatures below freezing at kickoff, with the mercury expected to dip to around 12 degrees Fahrenheit as the game progresses. There’s even a chance of snow—a scenario that’s no stranger to either franchise, but one that could certainly tip the scales in a game already loaded with tension. The Broncos, with their loyal Mile High crowd behind them, will need every ounce of home-field advantage to topple a Patriots squad that boasts 11 Super Bowl appearances and six Lombardi trophies.

On the Patriots’ sideline, rookie quarterback Drake Maye has been turning heads all season, guiding New England through a tough playoff bracket that included a 28-16 win over the Houston Texans in the divisional round. Their path to the AFC championship has been marked by balanced offense and a defense that thrives in big moments. According to The Sporting News’ NFL Power Rankings, the Patriots are considered the second-strongest team left in the postseason, trailing only the Seattle Seahawks. But as history has shown, anything can happen in a single-elimination showdown—especially in the unforgiving Denver cold.

Switching over to the NFC, the Los Angeles Rams travel north to face the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET on Fox, and the forecast looks far more forgiving: temperatures around 45 degrees at the start, dropping to 34 by game’s end. The Seahawks, who are favored by 2.5 points with an over/under of 47.5, have home-field advantage and the momentum of a team that’s been the class of the conference all season.

Seattle’s playoff pedigree is formidable. With two Super Bowl appearances and a championship under their belt, the Seahawks are eager to add another title to their resume. They edged out the Rams in the regular season and, according to Polymarket betting odds as of January 23, 2026, are the favorites to win Super Bowl LX, holding a 38% chance compared to the Rams’ 28% and the Patriots’ 26%. The Rams, not to be underestimated, have shown resilience throughout the playoffs, including a nail-biting 20-17 victory over the Chicago Bears in the divisional round. With two Super Bowl wins in three appearances (including their days as the St. Louis Rams), Los Angeles is no stranger to high-pressure moments.

This NFC title clash also promises a unique entertainment experience. Country singer Zach Top will perform the national anthem, setting the stage for a night of gridiron drama. At halftime, fans will be treated to a performance by Tucker Wetmore, keeping spirits high as the teams regroup for what’s expected to be a close, clean contest. Both the Seahawks and Rams are among the least-penalized teams in the league, suggesting a disciplined battle where every yard will count.

For those eager to tune in, the AFC Championship will be broadcast on CBS and streamed via Paramount+, Fubo, Sling, NFL+, ESPN+, DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. The NFC Championship airs on Fox and streams on Fox One, Hulu + Live TV, NFL+ app, and other platforms. No matter your viewing preference, there’s no excuse to miss a moment of this pivotal football Sunday.

Looking ahead, the winners of these matchups will punch their tickets to Super Bowl LX, set for Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The big game kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC and will also stream on Peacock and NFL+. Pop superstar Bad Bunny is slated to headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, promising a spectacle both on and off the field. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and with Super Bowl odds shifting in real time, fans and bettors alike are keeping a close eye on this weekend’s results. As of now, BetMGM lists the Seahawks at +150, the Rams at +220, the Patriots at +250, and the Broncos—hampered by Bo Nix’s absence—at +1300 to win it all.

Beyond the immediate championship implications, this weekend’s outcomes will also impact the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft order, with the Las Vegas Raiders currently holding the coveted first overall pick. The remaining draft slots will be determined by how far each team advances in the postseason, adding another layer of intrigue to an already electric atmosphere.

As the NFL’s Conference Championship Sunday approaches, fans across the country are bracing for a day packed with storylines, strategy, and the raw emotion that only playoff football can deliver. Whether you’re rooting for a perennial powerhouse like the Patriots, an underdog Broncos squad, the surging Rams, or the favored Seahawks, one thing’s for certain: the road to Super Bowl LX runs through Denver and Seattle, and the journey promises to be unforgettable.

So, grab your snacks, pick your side, and settle in for what’s sure to be a pair of epic contests. By Sunday night, the NFL’s final two will be set, and the countdown to Santa Clara—and football immortality—will be officially underway.