NFL Conference Championship Showdowns: Patriots and Broncos Clash, Rams Face Seahawks
This weekend, the NFL conference championship games will determine the Super Bowl matchups, with two highly anticipated clashes set to captivate fans. The spotlight falls on a weakened Denver Broncos, led by backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, as they take on the formidable New England Patriots. Meanwhile, in the NFC, the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks, fierce divisional rivals, will battle for a place in the grand finale.
New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos: Sunday 3pm ET/8pm GMT
What New England Need to Do to Win: The Patriots must clean up their act, particularly in protecting quarterback Drake Maye. Last week against the Houston Texans, Maye was sacked five times and forced into four fumbles by edge rushers Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. Denver, who led the league with 68 sacks in the regular season, pose a similar threat. Maye can mitigate this by sharpening his pocket awareness, opting to take sacks rather than forcing impossible passes. With left tackle Will Campbell likely to struggle against Denver's Nick Bonitto, Maye must brace for pressure and hold onto the ball. Simply punting and pinning Denver's offense, led by second-string quarterback Jarrett Stidham, in tough field positions could be enough to secure a Super Bowl berth.
What Denver Need to Do to Win: The Broncos must limit the Patriots to 20 points or fewer, requiring Stidham to stay calm and manage the offense carefully against a stout Patriots defense. Without the injured Bo Nix's scrambling ability, Denver lacks the run game quality to ease Stidham's burden. Receivers, especially Courtland Sutton, must improve their catching after drops against Buffalo. The offensive line is solid, but Stidham needs patience to wait for open receivers rather than panicking under pressure, as CJ Stroud's meltdown last week demonstrated the dangers of New England's defensive pressure.
Key Player for the Patriots: Stefon Diggs, wide receiver. Diggs is the perfect antidote to Denver's excellent passing defense, boasting immaculate hands and reliability. He finished ninth for receptions in the regular season despite being 26th for targets, with only two drops. If Maye finds Diggs in the end zone, the receiver is sure to deliver.
Key Player for the Broncos: Garett Bolles, left tackle. The veteran earned his first All-Pro accolade this season at 33, allowing just six QB hits and zero sacks in 2025. This protection is crucial for Stidham in only his fifth NFL start.
Prediction: Patriots over Broncos. Denver's home crowd and defense will make it close, but the Broncos' offense is likely overmatched by Maye's superior playmaking under pressure.
Los Angeles Rams vs Seattle Seahawks: Sunday 6.30pm ET/11.30pm GMT
What Los Angeles Need to Do to Win: Running back Kyren Williams must unlock Seattle's disciplined defense, led by linebacker Ernest Jones. Williams' patience as a rusher, waiting for gaps to develop, is key. The Rams' elite pass protection can keep Matthew Stafford safe against Seattle's menacing front. If Williams moves the chains and forces Seattle to bring an extra safety into the box, deep shots to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams should open up, giving the Rams the rhythm to overcome Seattle.
What Seattle Need to Do to Win: With Zach Charbonnet's torn ACL, the run game relies on Kenneth Walker, risking efficiency. Seattle must scheme up the passing game to compensate, using Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed for quick, high-percentage throws and yards after the catch, rather than relying on a rusty Cam Akers.
Key Player for the Rams: Kevin Dotson, right guard. Dotson has been stewing since Seattle's Derick Hall stepped on him in Week 16, vowing to "get my get-back." As a brilliant run blocker, he has the chance to dominate in this grudge match.
Key Player for the Seahawks: Sam Darnold, quarterback. Head coach Mike Macdonald wants Darnold to "be decisive and rip it." After a palate-cleansing playoff win, Darnold could find his flow state quickly, which Seattle may need in a potential shootout with a hamstrung running game.
Prediction: Seahawks over Rams. This could be a last-possession win, but Seattle has been more consistent. Stafford's struggles in Chicago last week are concerning against a tougher defense in hostile environs, with a raucous home crowd boosting Seattle to the Super Bowl.
