The road to Santa Clara reaches its final turning point today. It is NFL Championship Sunday 2026, and the stakes could not be higher as four teams battle for a coveted spot in Super Bowl LX. In a season defined by stunning upsets and breakout performances, the conference title games offer a dramatic doubleheader featuring a classic NFC West rivalry and an AFC showdown filled with unexpected storylines. From Jarrett Stidham starting for the Broncos to Drake Maye leading the Patriots' playoff charge, today's games promise to reshape NFL history.
AFC Championship: Patriots vs. Broncos
The day kicks off with a shocking twist in the Patriots vs Broncos AFC Championship game. The New England Patriots, revitalized under second-year quarterback Drake Maye, travel to Mile High to face a Denver Broncos team that has been forced to pivot at the most critical moment. Following a devastating broken ankle to starter Bo Nix in last week's overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills, head coach Sean Payton has handed the reins to veteran backup Jarrett Stidham.
For Stidham, this is the ultimate redemption arc. Drafted by New England in 2019, he now stands as the only obstacle between his former team and their return to the Super Bowl. Despite not throwing a pass during the 2025 regular season, Stidham's experience in Payton's system will be tested against a Patriots defense that powered New England to its first division title since 2019. On the other side, Drake Maye has been nothing short of sensational. The 2025 Second-Team All-Pro has thrown for over 4,000 yards this season, cementing himself as the franchise cornerstone New England has searched for since the Brady era.
Key Matchup to Watch
The game will likely hinge on whether Denver's defense can confuse Maye. While the young quarterback has shown poise beyond his years, the altitude and the raucous Denver crowd present a unique challenge. Conversely, can Stidham manage the game without turning the ball over? With a trip to Super Bowl LX on the line, the pressure on the backup signal-caller is immense.
NFC Championship: Rams vs. Seahawks
In the late window, the focus shifts to a brutal NFC West rubber match as the Rams vs Seahawks NFC Championship takes center stage. These two teams split their regular-season meetings, including a thrilling 38-37 overtime victory for Seattle in December 2025. Now, they meet for a third time with the conference title hanging in the balance.
The Los Angeles Rams, led by the offensive genius of Sean McVay, are looking to book a short trip north to Levi's Stadium. However, they face a Seattle Seahawks squad that has turned Lumen Field into a fortress this postseason. The rivalry has reached a fever pitch, with both fanbases knowing that NFL live scores today will determine bragging rights for years to come. Analysts expect a high-scoring affair, contrasting with the defensive grind anticipated in the AFC.
The Prize: Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara
The winners of today’s contests will not only claim conference supremacy but will also secure their tickets to Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. With global superstar Bad Bunny set to headline the halftime show and Levi's Stadium prepared to host the historic 60th edition of the big game, the stage is set for a spectacle.
Will we see a rookie sensation in Drake Maye cap off a magical season, or will a backup quarterback like Stidham write a Cinderella story? Can the Rams secure a "home" Super Bowl in California, or will the Seahawks fly the 12th Man flag in Santa Clara? As kickoff approaches, the football world holds its breath.
