The Conference Championship games on Sunday, January 25, 2026:
New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos (AFC Championship) — 3:00 p.m. ET
Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks (NFC Championship) — 6:40 p.m. ET 

These determine who will play in Super Bowl LX on Sunday, February 8, 2026. 

So the next scheduled playoff action is Sunday, January 25, 2026.

2026 NFL Conference Championship Preview

Sunday, January 25, 2026

AFC Championship

New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos — 3:05 p.m. ET

 NFC Championship

Los Angeles Rams @ Seattle Seahawks — 6:40 p.m. ET

AFC Championship Game

New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos

Time: 3:05 p.m. ET
Location: Empower Field at Mile High (Denver)
Broadcast: National TV (CBS/Paramount)

This year’s AFC Championship matchup carries massive narrative weight:

• A franchise quarterback injury that shakes the entire playoff landscape.
• A Patriots team on the rise under a new offensive identity.
• A Denver defense that has been dominant all season.
• Weather and altitude factors at Empower Field that often dictate strategy. 

Season Background & Storylines

Broncos’ Rollercoaster Season

The Denver Broncos finished the regular season with one of the top records in the league at 14–3, dominating with a stingy defense that consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks and limited big plays. They ranked near the top of multiple defensive categories, excelling in sacks and takeaways. 

Denver’s offensive balance came from a mix of efficient run game production and timely passing, but that picture darkened at the most critical moment. Starting quarterback Bo Nix suffered a season-ending broken ankle during Denver’s thrilling 33-30 overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round. Nix had been a significant reason for Denver’s late-season surge and was playing perhaps the best football of his young career when the injury occurred. 

With Nix sidelined, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham will make his first start in the AFC Championship Game. Stidham’s limited NFL experience and lack of recent game reps — he hadn’t thrown a regular-season pass since January 2024 — creates a major storyline here. 

Patriots: From Rebuild to Contender

On the other sideline, the New England Patriots have gone from league afterthought just one season ago to legitimate AFC title contenders. After a 4-13 finish in 2024, New England reversed course beautifully in 2025, finishing 14–3 thanks to dramatically improved quarterback play and a more dynamic scheme on both sides of the ball. 

Second-year quarterback Drake Maye emerged as one of the league’s most efficient passers, ranking near the top in big-play ability while limiting mistakes. His connection with weapons like Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, and balanced running back production from TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson has made New England’s offense versatile and difficult to predict. 

New England’s defense has also been excellent, standing among the league’s best units in limiting opponent scoring and generating turnovers. The Pats defense complements the offense’s explosive potential, making them formidable on both sides of the ball. 

Matchups That Will Decide the Game

Broncos Defensive Front vs. Patriots Offensive Line

Denver’s pass rush — led by players like Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen, and star cornerback Pat Surtain II — presents one of the most disruptive units in football. Their ability to pressure Maye without heavy blitzing could flip the field quickly, especially with Stidham’s inexperience in mind. 

Conversely, New England’s offensive line has been solid all season, keeping Maye upright and creating lanes for the run game — a necessity in hostile Mile High conditions. The Pats must win this battle to sustain drives and keep Denver’s defense honest.

Maye vs. Stidham: Quarterback Factor

This is the most glaring mismatch on paper. Maye’s statistical resume this season — high completion percentage and top-tier passer efficiency — starkly contrasts with Stidham, who has only spot duty in a handful of games over the last few years. Stidham’s lack of rhythm under center could force the Broncos to rely heavily on the run game.

If New England’s defense can make Stidham uncomfortable early — forcing three-and-outs or turnovers — Denver may find itself in an early hole that’s tough to climb out of, even at home.

Weather & Altitude

Denver’s altitude always plays a role late in the season. The thin air can slow down the opposing offense and favor running teams that grind clock.

However, it can also sap the stamina of visiting players late in games if extended drives happen. Patriots coach and staff will need to prepare for a unique physical challenge in addition to the football matchup itself.

Coaching & Game Management

• Sean Payton (Broncos) brings years of playoff experience and aggressive scheming that often keeps opponents off-balance.
• Jerod Mayo (Patriots) has dramatically improved New England’s culture and game planning, particularly on offense.

This coaching duel could hinge on adjustments — especially if Denver’s offense sputters early without its top quarterback.

AFC Championship Prediction

Patriots win 24–17

Given the quarterback situation, New England’s balanced offense and elite defense gives them the edge. Denver’s stout defense can keep this close, but without Nix and with a backup at quarterback, the Patriots are poised to control the line of scrimmage and manage possession more effectively. Many industry simulations and betting markets have leaned toward New England after Nix’s injury news. 

This sets up a compelling Super Bowl matchup if Seattle also advances.

NFC Championship Game

Los Angeles Rams @ Seattle Seahawks

Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
Location: Lumen Field (Seattle)
Broadcast: FOX/National

The NFC Championship pits two heated NFC West rivals against each other — teams that split their season series and know each other’s tendencies intimately. 

Season Background & Storylines

Seattle Seahawks: Balanced & Explosive

The Seahawks finished the regular season 14–3, earning the NFC’s No. 1 seed — their best showing since their 2013 championship year. Seattle’s identity blends an explosive offense with opportunistic defense, giving them flexibility in how they attack opponents. 

In the Divisional Round, Seattle delivered a commanding win (41–6) over the San Francisco 49ers, dominating in all three phases. The Seahawks defense forced turnovers, the special teams scored a touchdown, and the offense looked in sync throughout. 

However, Seattle faces adversity in the form of a significant injury to running back Zach Charbonnet, who suffered a torn ACL and is out for this game. Charbonnet had been a key element of the Seahawks’ ground game and this loss shifts even more pressure onto quarterback play and versatility. 

Los Angeles Rams: Playoff Tested & Mentally Tough

The Rams entered the postseason as the NFC’s No. 5 seed but have been resilient throughout. They survived a tough OT win against the Chicago Bears and now have momentum on their side. Led by veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford and coached by Sean McVay, this group has seen big-stage success recently — including a Super Bowl title a few years ago. 

Los Angeles’s road strength and clutch resilience make them dangerous in playoff situations, especially against a familiar foe.

 Matchups That Will Decide the Game

Stafford vs. Darnold: Quarterback Leadership

While neither quarterback has elite MVP-level recognition this season, both manage their offenses effectively and make key throws when necessary. Stafford’s ability to create big plays downfield contrasts with Darnold’s efficient management and veteran savvy.

The key may come down to which quarterback avoids mistakes and helps his defense stay off the field.

Seattle’s Defensive Front vs. Rams’ Offensive Line

Seattle’s defense is opportunistic and capable of generating pressure without blitzing heavily — a testament to disciplined scheme and strong personnel play. This could disrupt Los Angeles’s passing game and make third downs harder to sustain.

Meanwhile, the Rams’ offensive line will need to protect Stafford long enough to facilitate chunk plays in the passing game, especially with the Seahawks’ pass rush ability.

Run Games & Game Flow

Seattle’s run game, already impacted by Charbonnet’s absence, will need contributions from the remaining backs to keep drives balanced. If the Seahawks become predictable with play calls, Los Angeles’s defense can key in and make second-level stops.

On the other sideline, the Rams have found success with a diversified run game that keeps defenses honest — a strength in postseason football.

 NFC Championship Prediction

Seahawks win 27–24

Despite the loss of Charbonnet, Seattle’s home-field advantage and balanced roster tilt this matchup in their favor by a small margin. The Seahawks defense has shown an ability to create turnovers, and in a tight game where field position matters, that could be decisive.

Los Angeles will keep this close, but Seattle — having dominated its last playoff performance — has the slight edge coming into this matchup.

Super Bowl LX Outlook (If Predictions Hold)

If Patriots and Seahawks win their respective games, we’d see New England vs. Seattle in Super Bowl LX, a compelling matchup between a high-powered offensive squad and a historically stout Seahawks defense.

Given both teams’ strengths and weaknesses — and barring injuries — this game could come down to late-game execution and turnovers.

Final Picks Summary