The road to Super Bowl LX reaches its thrilling climax this NFL Championship Sunday 2026, featuring two monumental clashes that will define the season. In the AFC, a script worthy of Hollywood unfolds in Denver as backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham leads the top-seeded Broncos against his former team, the resurgent New England Patriots led by MVP candidate Drake Maye. Meanwhile, the NFC offers a brutal divisional rubber match as the Seattle Seahawks host their arch-rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, at a deafening Lumen Field. With a trip to Santa Clara on the line, the stakes have never been higher.
AFC Championship: The Backup vs. The Phenom in Denver
The narrative surrounding the AFC Championship Game shifted dramatically last weekend. The Denver Broncos’ 33-30 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills came at a devastating cost: a season-ending fractured ankle for star quarterback Bo Nix. Now, the hopes of the Mile High City rest on the shoulders of Jarrett Stidham, who steps into the spotlight with a chance to etch his name in NFL lore.
Stidham facing the Patriots adds a layer of thick irony to the matchup. Drafted by New England in the fourth round back in 2019, Stidham now stands as the final obstacle preventing his former squad from returning to the Super Bowl. For Jarrett Stidham Broncos news followers, the focus is on whether the veteran can manage the game effectively against a Bill Belichick-influenced defense, relying on Denver’s elite rushing attack and home-field advantage at Empower Field at Mile High.
Drake Maye’s Patriots Seek Return to Glory
On the other sideline, the New England Patriots have finally found their heir to the dynasty. Quarterback Drake Maye has delivered a spectacular sophomore season, throwing for over 4,300 yards and 31 touchdowns. Maye has revitalized the franchise, leading them to their first division title since 2019. If you’re looking for Drake Maye Patriots highlights, expect to see his signature deep-ball accuracy testing a Broncos secondary that has been formidable all year. A win today would cement Maye's status as the league's next superstar and book New England's ticket to Super Bowl LX contenders status.
NFC Championship: Rams vs. Seahawks in a Divisional War
While the AFC features new faces, the NFC Championship is a battle of familiar foes. The NFC West rivals are set to meet for the third time this season, with the series split 1-1. The Seattle Seahawks, finishing the regular season with a dominant 14-3 record, welcome the battle-hardened Los Angeles Rams (12-5) to one of the most hostile environments in sports.
History favors the visitors in January; despite Seattle’s regular-season success, the Rams have historically controlled this rivalry in the postseason. However, the Seahawks' 12th Man will be a significant factor. For those making a Rams vs Seahawks prediction, the game likely comes down to the trenches. Can the Rams' defensive front disrupt Seattle's rhythm, or will the Seahawks' balanced attack overwhelm Los Angeles? This game promises to be a physical, low-scoring affair decided by whoever survives the attrition.
Super Bowl LX Awaits the Victors
The winners of today’s games won't just claim conference titles; they will punch their tickets to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara for Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. The NFL playoff bracket 2026 has whittled down 14 teams to these final four, and the potential storylines are tantalizing. Will we see a battle of the bays with New England vs. Seattle? Or perhaps a defensive masterclass between Denver and Los Angeles?
As kickoff approaches, fans scrambling for the Patriots vs Broncos live score or updates from Seattle should brace for a day of unpredictable drama. Whether it's Stidham's redemption, Maye's coronation, or the next chapter in the Rams-Seahawks blood feud, Championship Sunday 2026 is set to be an instant classic.
