With just one weekend left before Super Bowl LX, four teams are still standing-and each has its eyes firmly fixed on the biggest stage in football. Sunday’s Conference Championship matchups will decide who punches their ticket to Las Vegas, and if the Divisional Round taught us anything, it’s that nothing is guaranteed in January.
Let’s break down where things stand heading into the final playoff weekend, who’s trending up, who’s facing adversity, and what the latest odds are telling us about the road to Super Bowl 60.
Divisional Round Fallout: Surprises, Setbacks, and a Crushing Injury
The Divisional Round didn’t just eliminate contenders-it reshaped the playoff landscape.
The Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans both saw their seasons come to a screeching halt. For two franchises still chasing their first Super Bowl title, the losses sting. But perhaps no exit was more jarring than the San Francisco 49ers, who were widely seen as a top-tier threat, getting rolled by a red-hot Seattle Seahawks squad that now looks every bit the favorite.
But the biggest blow might’ve come in a game Denver won.
The Broncos advanced past Buffalo, but lost rookie quarterback Bo Nix to a season-ending ankle injury in the process. That’s a massive hit for a team that had been building serious momentum.
Now, with Nix sidelined, Denver turns to Jarrett Stidham to lead the offense in the AFC Championship against the New England Patriots. Backups Sam Ehlinger and Ben DiNucci are also in the mix, but make no mistake-this is Stidham’s show now.
Conference Championship Matchups - Sunday, January 25
The stage is set for two heavyweight showdowns:
- AFC Championship: New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos
- NFC Championship: Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams
The winners of these matchups will meet in Super Bowl LX, set for February 8 at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Super Bowl LX Odds: Market Leans Toward a Patriots-Seahawks Clash
If you’re following the betting markets, there’s a clear favorite matchup emerging: New England vs. Seattle.
According to Polymarket odds as of Thursday morning:
- 41% favor a Patriots vs. Seahawks Super Bowl
- 29% lean toward Patriots vs. Rams
- 18% see Broncos vs. Seahawks as a possibility
- 13% are backing a Broncos vs. Rams matchup
Of course, odds are fluid, and with Sunday’s games still to be played, there’s plenty of room for movement. But right now, the market is leaning toward a battle between two teams that have been here before-and know how to win when it counts.
Power Rankings Heading into Championship Weekend
According to The Sporting News’ latest NFL Power Rankings, here’s how the final four stack up:
- Seattle Seahawks
- New England Patriots
- Los Angeles Rams
- Denver Broncos
Seattle has been playing like a team on a mission. Their dismantling of San Francisco was a statement, and they’re the only team left that looks like it’s peaking at exactly the right time.
New England, meanwhile, is doing what New England does-winning in the postseason. With six Super Bowl titles under their belt, the Patriots are the most decorated team still standing.
The Rams are a bit of a wild card. They’ve been inconsistent at times this season, but when they’re locked in, they’ve shown they can hang with anyone.
And then there’s Denver. The defense has been tough, and the running game has kept them in games-but without Bo Nix, they face an uphill climb.
Who’s Favored to Win It All?
Polymarket odds show a tight race at the top:
- Seattle Seahawks - 38% chance to win Super Bowl LX
- Los Angeles Rams - 27%
- New England Patriots - 27%
- Denver Broncos - 8%
Seattle may lead the pack, but the Rams and Patriots are right there. The Broncos, understandably, are the long shot, especially with their quarterback situation in flux.
But this is the NFL postseason-stranger things have happened.
A Quick Look Back: Super Bowl Legacy Check
As we gear up for Super Bowl 60, it’s worth remembering the history behind the hunt.
- New England Patriots: 11 Super Bowl appearances, 6 wins
- Denver Broncos: 8 appearances, 3 wins
- Los Angeles Rams (including St. Louis): 3 appearances, 2 wins
- Seattle Seahawks: 2 appearances, 1 win
The Patriots are tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most Super Bowl wins in NFL history. The Cowboys and 49ers follow with five each. And the Chiefs, Packers, and Giants all sit at four.
The Road Ahead
The final four teams each bring a unique story into Championship Sunday.
Seattle is trying to reclaim glory behind a balanced, explosive roster. New England is chasing a seventh title and proving their dynasty might not be over just yet.
The Rams are looking to recapture their 2022 magic. And Denver?
They’re fighting to prove that even without their young star quarterback, they can still shock the football world.
One more win, and it’s off to the desert.
Super Bowl LX is just around the corner. Buckle up.