The dynasty era is officially over, and a new chapter of NFL history is being written in real-time. For the first time since the 1998 season, the league's penultimate weekend features a playoff field void of Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, or Peyton Manning. As the dust settles on the Divisional Round, the NFL Playoffs 2026 schedule is officially set for a Championship Sunday that signals a definitive changing of the guard. The road to Super Bowl LX has narrowed to four contenders: the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks.

AFC Championship Game: Patriots vs Broncos

In a matchup that echoes the legendary rivalries of the past, the AFC Championship Game Patriots vs Broncos renews hostilities at Empower Field at Mile High. However, the faces under center have changed dramatically. This isn't Brady vs. Manning; it is the battle of the future between New England’s sophomore sensation Drake Maye and Denver’s gritty signal-caller Bo Nix.

The Patriots, fresh off a defensive masterclass against the Texans, find themselves as slight road favorites despite the altitude. New England has returned to the AFC title game for the first time in the post-Belichick era, riding a disciplined defense that has drawn comparisons to the franchises' early 2000s units. On the other sideline, the Broncos have turned Mile High into a fortress once again. Under the guidance of Sean Payton, Denver has ground out wins with a punishing run game and opportunistic defense.

Key Matchup to Watch

The game will likely hinge on how Drake Maye handles the chaotic noise at Mile High. While the NFL playoff bracket 2026 has been full of upsets, the Broncos' home-field advantage remains a statistical anomaly in the postseason. If New England's offensive line can neutralize Denver's pass rush, the Patriots could punch their ticket to Santa Clara.

NFC Championship Game: Rams vs Seahawks

On the NFC side, the rivalry is even more visceral. The NFC Championship Game Rams vs Seahawks marks the third meeting between these NFC West foes this season, a classic "rubber match" with the highest possible stakes. The Seahawks, who secured the conference's No. 1 seed, will host the showdown at a deafening Lumen Field.

Seattle’s resurgence has been the story of the year, led by the unexpected MVP-caliber play of quarterback Sam Darnold, who has revitalized his career in the Pacific Northwest. Standing in his way is the battle-tested Matthew Stafford and a Los Angeles Rams squad that seems to peak every January. The Rams' offense has been electric throughout the postseason, but solving the riddle of Seattle's defense at home is a different beast entirely.

Super Bowl LX Predictions and The Road to Santa Clara

With the field set, early Super Bowl LX predictions are fluctuating wildly. A potential Patriots vs. Seahawks matchup would offer a nostalgic rematch of Super Bowl XLIX, while a Broncos vs. Rams clash would pit Sean Payton against his offensive protégé, Sean McVay. Regardless of the outcome, the winner will head to Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on February 8, 2026, looking to claim the first Lombardi Trophy of this new era.

Championship Sunday Betting Odds & Injury Updates

As kickoff approaches, the Championship Sunday betting odds reflect just how tight these matchups are. Vegas bookmakers currently have the Seahawks as narrow 2.5-point home favorites over the Rams, acknowledging the "12th Man" factor. Meanwhile, the Patriots sit as 1.5-point favorites on the road, a testament to the public's faith in their defensive consistency.

bettors should also keep a close eye on the final NFL injury report playoffs released this Friday. Both the Broncos and Rams suffered key attritions on the offensive line during the Divisional Round, and depth could ultimately decide who survives the weekend. In a season defined by parity, health remains the ultimate X-factor.