The field is set. After a grueling postseason, only four teams remain in the hunt for a trip to Santa Clara. This weekend, Championship Sunday takes center stage on TSN as the NFL’s elite battle for a spot in Super Bowl LX.
From a high-stakes backup quarterback debut in Denver to an intense NFC West rivalry in Seattle, here is everything you need to know about the conference title games.
AFC Championship: (2) New England Patriots vs. (1) Denver Broncos
Kickoff: Sunday Afternoon | Location: Empower Field at Mile High
The AFC title goes through the thin air of Denver as the top-seeded Broncos host the resurging Patriots.
The Drake Maye Era Begins
The Patriots are back in the AFC Championship for the first time since 2018, led by sensation Drake Maye. In a gritty, snow-filled Divisional Round win over Houston, Maye proved he belongs, tossing three touchdowns while the New England defense forced five turnovers.
“We feel like we deserve to be here,” Maye said following the victory. “I like our chances with those guys in the locker room.”
Head coach Mike Vrabel has transformed this roster in just one season, aiming to secure New England’s 12th Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.1
The Stidham Factor
Denver’s path hit a major roadblock last week. Despite a thrilling OT win against Buffalo, the Broncos lost star rookie Bo Nix to a broken ankle.2 Now, the season rests on the shoulders of Jarrett Stidham.
Interestingly, Stidham began his career in New England. While he hasn’t thrown a pass all season, head coach Sean Payton is confident:
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Preparation: Stidham has been in the system for three years.
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History: He becomes only the seventh QB since 1950 to make his first start of the year in the playoffs.
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Rematch: This is the first AFC title meeting between these two since 2015, a game Denver won 20-18.
NFC Championship: (5) Los Angeles Rams vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks
Kickoff: Sunday Evening | Location: Lumen Field
A classic NFC West grudge match will decide who represents the conference in Santa Clara. These rivals split their regular-season series, making this rubber match the ultimate tiebreaker.
Stafford vs. The “Macdonald Defense”
The Rams punched their ticket after an overtime nail-biter against Chicago, fueled by Kyren Williams’ two scores and a clutch defensive performance.3 While Matthew Stafford was held without a touchdown pass, coach Sean McVay took the blame for the sluggish offense, promising a better scheme this Sunday.
They’ll need it. Mike Macdonald’s Seahawks defense is currently the gold standard in the NFL:
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Rankings: #1 scoring defense in the league.
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Recent Form: They dismantled San Francisco 41-6 last week, forcing three turnovers.
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Pressure: Seattle finished the year with the fifth-most sacks in the league.
Seahawks Injury Report
Seattle will be without RB Zach Charbonnet (ACL), meaning Kenneth Walker III will carry the load. Walker is coming off a massive 116-yard, three-touchdown performance. Under center, Sam Darnold looks to continue his career resurgence after leading Seattle to its first playoff win in a decade while battling an oblique injury.
Championship Sunday Schedule
| Game | Matchup | Time (ET) | Network |
| AFC Championship | New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos | 3:00 PM | TSN |
| NFC Championship | Los Angeles Rams @ Seattle Seahawks | 6:30 PM | TSN |