Full Breakdown
2026 NFL Championship Round Preview: Patriots vs. Broncos and Seahawks vs. Rams
1/22/2026, 7:15:38 AM
Key Matchups and Game Details
The 2026 NFL Championship Round features two pivotal matchups on Sunday, January 25. The New England Patriots face the Denver Broncos at 3 p.m. ET, while the Seattle Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams at 6:30 p.m. ET. The Patriots enter as 5.5-point favorites against the Broncos, who will start backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham following Bo Nix's season-ending ankle injury. In the NFC, the Seahawks are slight favorites at -2.5 against the Rams.
Quarterback Dynamics
Drake Maye, the Patriots' starting quarterback, has had a strong season but has struggled with turnovers in the playoffs, throwing two interceptions and losing three fumbles in two games. In contrast, Stidham has not thrown a regular-season pass since 2023, making this game a significant test for him. Despite his inexperience, Stidham is backed by a formidable Broncos defense that led the league with 68 sacks during the regular season.
Team Performance and Trends
The Patriots have been successful against the spread (ATS) this season, with a record of 13-5-1, while the Broncos are 8-9-1 ATS. The Patriots' defense has been particularly effective, limiting opponents to an average of 96.2 rushing yards per game, the fourth-fewest in the NFL. Conversely, the Broncos' defense has been dominant, forcing five turnovers against the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round.
In the NFC Championship, the Seahawks and Rams have split their two regular-season matchups, with each game being closely contested. The Seahawks boast the league's top scoring defense, while the Rams have the highest scoring offense. This matchup is expected to be a tactical battle, with both teams looking to exploit their opponent's weaknesses.
Official Statements & Responses
Sports analysts have highlighted the importance of the Broncos' defense in their matchup against the Patriots. The SportsLine model predicts a low-scoring game, favoring the Patriots by just two points. Meanwhile, experts suggest that the Seahawks' recent dominance and home-field advantage could play a crucial role in their game against the Rams.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have raised concerns about Stidham's ability to perform under pressure, given his lack of recent game experience. Additionally, some analysts argue that the Patriots' reliance on Maye's performance could backfire if he continues to struggle with turnovers. In the NFC, doubts have been cast on the Rams' ability to adapt their game plan effectively after a series of inconsistent performances leading into the playoffs.
What's Next
The outcomes of these games will determine which teams advance to the Super Bowl. The Patriots aim to secure their place in the championship game, while the Broncos hope to defy expectations with a strong defensive performance. In the NFC, the Seahawks and Rams will battle for supremacy in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Patriots defense has run roughshod over a pair of offenses with major injury concerns the last two weeks, and they'll get another with Jarrett Stidham at QB.” — R.J. White, CBS Sports Managing Editor
- “If he can take care of the football, which he didn't do in a playoff loss to the Rams last year when he was with the Vikings, the Seahawks will win the game.” — John Breech, CBS Sports Analyst
This Championship Round promises to deliver high-stakes action as teams vie for a spot in the Super Bowl, with both matchups showcasing intriguing narratives and critical player performances.
