The NFL playoff picture is down to four. After a weekend that delivered everything from gritty defensive battles to overtime thrillers, the stage is officially set for Championship Sunday. And with a trip to Super Bowl 60 on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Let’s break it down.
AFC Championship: Patriots at Broncos
We’ve got a classic AFC clash on tap as the top-seeded Denver Broncos host the No. 2 New England Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25 on CBS.
Denver earned its spot with a dramatic 33-30 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills, a game that tested the Broncos' resilience and showcased their ability to win in crunch time. The offense found ways to move the ball when it mattered most, but it was the defense that came up big late, forcing a key turnover in overtime to seal the deal.
On the other side, the Patriots looked sharp and efficient in their 28-16 win over the Houston Texans. New England’s defense set the tone early, limiting Houston’s big-play threats and keeping pressure on the quarterback. Offensively, they leaned on a balanced attack, mixing in just enough ground game to keep Houston guessing while the passing game clicked in key moments.
This matchup pits two contrasting styles: Denver’s explosive offense and opportunistic defense versus New England’s methodical, disciplined approach. It’s a chess match between coaching staffs and a test of execution under pressure. Expect the altitude in Denver to be a factor, especially in the second half.
NFC Championship: Rams at Seahawks
Over in the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks will host the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field in the late game on Sunday, Jan. 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on FOX.
Seattle is coming off a statement win - a 41-6 dismantling of the San Francisco 49ers that sent shockwaves through the league. The Seahawks didn’t just beat the Niners; they dominated in every phase.
The defense was relentless, the offense was electric, and the special teams chipped in with solid field position all night long. It was the kind of performance that makes you wonder if anyone can slow them down.
Enter the Rams.
L.A. had to grind out a 20-17 overtime win against the Chicago Bears, a game that tested their toughness and poise. It wasn’t always pretty, but the Rams made the plays they needed to when it counted. The defense held firm in the red zone, and the offense did just enough to push through in the extra frame.
This sets up a fascinating contrast. Seattle is red-hot and playing with swagger, while the Rams are the underdog that just won’t go away.
These teams know each other well, and divisional familiarity always adds an extra layer of intensity. Expect a physical, high-energy game in a raucous Seattle environment.
The Road to Super Bowl 60
With just two games left before the big one, here’s where we stand:
- AFC Championship: Patriots at Broncos, 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan.
25 (CBS)
- NFC Championship: Rams at Seahawks, 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 25 (FOX)
The winners will punch their ticket to Super Bowl 60, set for Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Playoff Recap: How We Got Here
Let’s take a quick look back at how these four teams made it through the gauntlet:
Divisional Round
- Rams 20, Bears 17 (OT): A defensive slugfest that came down to a field goal in overtime.
- Patriots 28, Texans 16: New England controlled the tempo and never let Houston get comfortable.
- Broncos 33, Bills 30 (OT): Denver survived a shootout with a clutch finish in the extra period.
- Seahawks 41, 49ers 6: Seattle made a loud statement with a blowout win over their NFC West rivals.
Wild Card Round
- Texans 30, Steelers 6: Houston dominated from start to finish.
- Patriots 16, Chargers 3: A defensive clinic from New England.
- 49ers 23, Eagles 19: San Francisco edged out Philly in a back-and-forth battle.
- Bills 27, Jaguars 24: Buffalo advanced with a late-game surge.
- Bears 31, Packers 27: Chicago knocked out their NFC North rival in a thriller.
- Rams 34, Panthers 31: L.A. escaped with a narrow win in a shootout.
Now, it’s down to four. The Broncos, Patriots, Seahawks, and Rams have all taken different paths to get here, but they share one thing in common - they're 60 minutes away from the biggest stage in football.
Championship Sunday is almost here. Buckle up.