Two NFL conference title games, two matchup previews: We ...

What’s Happening

So basically We have picks, stats to know and more for the AFC and NFC title games.

NFL playoffs: AFC, NFC championship picks, schedule, odds play Stephen A. To Pats: If you lose to Stidham, your season is a wash! (let that sink in)

Smith sounds off on the ramifications of the Patriots losing to Broncos QB Jarrett Stidham, who hasn’t thrown a pass in two years.

The Details

(1:33) Multiple Contributors Jan 23, 2026, 06:20 AM ET Email Print Open Extended Reactions The NFL playoffs’ conference championship round for the 2025 season has two solid matchups, and we have you covered with what you need to know for both. First, Patriots QB Drake Maye heads on the road for the first time in the playoffs to face a Broncos team that will be without QB Bo Nix ( ankle ) in the AFC title game.

And then the weekend caps off with an NFC West battle between the surging Rams and Seahawks for the chance to go to the Super Bowl . Our NFL Nation reporters take you inside the locker room with the best thing they heard this week, and analytics writer Seth Walder provides a key stat to know for each matchup.

Why This Matters

NFL analyst Ben Solak also gives us bold predictions, and NFL analyst Matt Bowen identifies one matchup X factor to watch. Betting analyst Pam Maldonado picks out an intriguing bet in each of the games, and staff writer Kevin Seifert tells us what to know about the officiating. Plus, our Football Power Index (FPI) goes inside the numbers with a game projection, and four analysts — Eric Moody, Maldonado, Solak and Walder — give us final-score picks for both games.

Players and coaches will be watching how this unfolds closely.

Key Takeaways

• Everything you want to know is here in one spot to help you get ready for another weekend of NFL playoff football .
• Let’s get into the NFC and AFC championship games.
• Jump to a matchup: NE-DEN | LAR-SEA AFC championship: (2) Patriots at (1) Broncos 3 p.

The Bottom Line

Jump to a matchup: NE-DEN | LAR-SEA AFC championship: (2) Patriots at (1) Broncos 3 p. 5 O/U) What we’re hearing on the Patriots: Linebacker Robert Spillane , who is the signal-caller for a defense that has surrendered only one touchdown in two playoff games, dropped facing Denver’s offense will be unique.

Is this a W or an L? You decide.