Welcome to the Championship Round of the 2026 NFL Playoffs. Just like with Wild Card Weekend, I only picked half of the winners right for the Divisional Round. There are only two games left remaining that
will decide who represents the AFC and NFC in Super Bowl 60. Let’s see how I fare with my Championship Round picks.
AFC Championship Game — New England Patriots at Denver Broncos
There weren’t many fans or analysts that predicted both the Patriots and Broncos would have the seasons they did. They both embarked on incredible gridiron campaigns in 2025. Each secured their respective division titles, notched 14 victories, and sported great defensive efforts throughout the season. Now, a decade later, history could have a shot at repeating itself in the Mile High City.
New England and Denver both saw successful outings from their second-year signal callers—Drake Maye and Bo Nix. They certainly played a huge role in their team’s ability to win games in ‘25. Unfortunately, Nix won’t have the opportunity to go head-to-head against Maye after suffering a broken ankle in Denver’s overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills last Saturday. Now it’s up to backup Jarrett Stidham to help punch the Broncos’ ticket to Santa Clara.
While I have some concerns about this game, I do have confidence in the Broncos to be able to pull this one out. They have the advantage of a hometown crowd at Empower Field at Mile High. Additionally, they have a really good defense that can generate a lot of pressure. Even better? The past two games they have forced a lot of turnovers. Those are two big things in their favor.
I expect Head Coach Sean Payton will have his team well-prepared to play on Sunday. They will be giving it maximum effort—knowing so many on the outside are doubting them since Nix won’t be commanding the offense. I think that adds fuel to their fire and desire to win. Denver’s identity this year has been gutting it out and overcoming adversity to win close games. Somehow, someway, I think they will find a way win against New England on Sunday afternoon.
Winner: Broncos
NFC Championship Game — Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks
On Sunday evening, the Rams will take on the Seahawks in Seattle. After splitting their regular season meetings in close battles, these NFC West foes will face off one last time to see who represents the NFC in Super Bowl 60. I expect this game to be no different than the prior two—which were both one-score affairs.
The Rams have been successful this season due to their high-powered offense—the highest scoring in the National Football League. Quarterback Matthew Stafford led the NFL in yards (4,707) and touchdowns (46) in the regular season. There’s little doubt Stafford has put up a solid case to be the league’s MVP.
Nevertheless, going up against Mike Macdonald and the Seahawks’ ferocious defense is a tough draw for them. Los Angeles averaged over ten points less per contest facing Seattle compared to other teams this season. That being said, have the Rams and Sean McVay figured out a way to ensure their offense performs much better the third time around? Only time will tell.
That’s a big question and key to the game for me. Additionally, it’s important to remember the Seahawks have a very good offense too. Sam Darnold, Kenneth Walker III, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba have been critical to the team’s success on that side of the ball this season. And we all know the Rams’ defense has really struggled down the stretch after a strong start to the year. Can their defense do enough to limit that trio?
This is going to be a great matchup. My gut tells me to pick the Seahawks here, but I’m going to wind up throwing my hat in the ring for the Rams. I think Stafford’s clutch ability and their postseason experience will help edge out Seattle.
Winner: Rams
