We’re down to the final four in the NFL, and after a weekend packed with high-stakes drama and statement wins, the stage is officially set for the conference championships. What’s left?
Two games. Four teams.
One ticket to the Super Bowl for each side of the bracket. And if this past weekend was any indication, we're in for a wild ride.
Let’s break down what’s coming up and how we got here.
NFC Championship: Rams vs. Seahawks - Round Three
Los Angeles Rams (5) at Seattle Seahawks (1)
**Sunday, 6:30 p.m.
ET | FOX, FOX One, FOX Deportes**
FanDuel Line: Seahawks -2.5 | Over/Under: 47.5
This one’s got all the ingredients of a classic: divisional rivals meeting for the third time this season, a rubber match with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, and two teams that have been battle-tested in the postseason.
The Seahawks punched their ticket in emphatic fashion, dismantling the 49ers 41-6 in a game that looked over by halftime. Seattle’s defense swarmed, the offense clicked, and the home crowd fed off every big moment. If momentum matters in January, the Seahawks are riding a tidal wave into this one.
But don’t sleep on the Rams. They just knocked off the No. 2 seed Bears in a gritty 20-17 win that showcased their ability to win ugly.
It wasn’t flashy, but it was disciplined and physical-exactly the kind of performance that travels well in the playoffs. And let’s not forget: these teams split their regular-season meetings.
The Rams know how to win in Seattle.
The key matchup? Seattle’s offense, which looked nearly unstoppable last week, going up against a Rams defense that just held Chicago to 17 points. If the Rams can disrupt the Seahawks’ rhythm early and force a few third-and-longs, this one could go down to the wire.
AFC Championship: Patriots Head to Mile High
New England Patriots (2) at Denver Broncos (1)
**Sunday, 3:00 p.m.
ET | CBS, Paramount+**
FanDuel Line: Patriots -5.5 | Over/Under: 40.5
This matchup took a dramatic turn late in Denver’s win over Houston, when starting quarterback Bo Nix went down with a broken ankle on the final drive. Just like that, the Broncos’ postseason hopes rest on the shoulders of backup Jarrett Stidham. It’s a tough break-literally-for a Denver team that earned the top seed in the AFC and had been rolling behind Nix’s steady hand.
Now, they’ll face a Patriots team that’s peaking at the right time. New England handled business in the snow, outlasting the Texans in a physical, old-school playoff game. They’ve got the experience, the coaching, and the kind of defense that thrives in cold weather and high-pressure moments.
With the Broncos now turning to Stidham, the Patriots come into Denver as road favorites. That’s rare territory, especially in a place like Mile High where the altitude and crowd noise are usually worth a few points on their own. But the oddsmakers aren’t wrong-this is a tall task for a backup quarterback facing Bill Belichick’s defense in the AFC title game.
Still, Denver didn’t get here by accident. They’ve got a top-tier defense, a strong run game, and the kind of grit that can’t be measured in stats. If Stidham can manage the game and avoid the big mistake, the Broncos have a shot to grind this one out.
Super Bowl Odds (FanDuel)
- Seattle Seahawks: +150
- New England Patriots: +220
- Los Angeles Rams: +220
- Denver Broncos: +1300
The Seahawks are the current favorites, and it’s easy to see why after their dominant showing. But the gap between the top three is razor-thin. These teams are all capable of winning two more games and hoisting the Lombardi.
Denver’s odds reflect the uncertainty at quarterback-but don’t count them out just yet. Stranger things have happened in January.
Bottom Line:
We’ve got two heavyweight matchups on deck, each with its own storyline and stakes.
The NFC gives us a rivalry grudge match with elite defenses and physical football. The AFC?
A legacy franchise trying to take advantage of a suddenly vulnerable No. 1 seed.
This weekend is what playoff football is all about. Buckle up.