The conference championship round of the NFL playoffs for the 2025 season features two exciting matchups, and we’ve got all the details you need to know.
First up, Patriots QB Drake Maye embarks on his first road playoff game against a Broncos team missing QB Bo Nix (ankle) in the AFC title clash. The weekend will conclude with an NFC West showdown between the up-and-coming Rams and Seahawks, both vying for a Super Bowl spot.
Our NFL Nation reporters bring you inside the locker room with the most interesting insights shared this week, while analyst Seth Walder highlights key stats for each matchup. NFL analyst Ben Solak makes bold predictions, and analyst Matt Bowen identifies a crucial matchup X factor to watch out for. Betting analyst Pam Maldonado points out intriguing bets for each game, and staff writer Kevin Seifert breaks down the officiating aspects. plus, our Football Power Index (FPI) provides a game projection, while analysts Eric Moody, Maldonado, Solak, and Walder share their final score predictions for both matchups.
Everything you need for another thrilling weekend of NFL playoff football is compiled here. Let’s dive into the NFC and AFC championship games.
Jump to a matchup:
NE-DEN | LAR-SEA
3 p.m. ET | CBS/Paramount+ | NE -5.5 (42.5 O/U)
Insights about the Patriots: Linebacker Robert Spillane, who commands a defense that has allowed only one touchdown in two playoff games, remarked that facing Denver’s offense will be unlike any other. “They excel at using diverse personnel packages, aligning in unconventional formations that test our rules and schemes. There’s a lot of motion, a lot of ways to create separation. We must excel in our assignments in zone coverage and maintain strong fundamentals, especially this week.”
Meanwhile, QB Drake Maye has had issues with fumbling, totaling six in his two playoff games. He mentioned he’s been focusing on ball security during practice, including timing his decision-making to avoid holding the ball too long. — Mike Reiss
Insights about the Broncos: With QB Bo Nix out for the remainder of the playoffs due to a fractured ankle, Jarrett Stidham will step in with the stakes high. He’ll be the first quarterback since Roger Staubach in 1972 to make his first season start in a conference championship. Stidham, who was among the first free-agent signings for coach Sean Payton in 2023, is supported by his teammates and a formidable Broncos defense. Expect him to take more risks and push the ball downfield. As Payton noted, “He’ll go for it, and that’s our game plan.” — Jeff Legwold
Key stat: Denver’s defense permits 5.8 yards per carry against duo runs, while New England utilizes duo runs 32% of the time (ranking third in the NFL). This presents a stark contrast to Denver’s overall rush defense, which allows just 3.3 yards per carry against all other run types, the best in the league. Could this disparity merely be due to variance seen over 65 duo runs against Denver this season? Only time will tell. — Walder
Bold prediction: Christian Gonzalez, the Patriots’ standout cornerback, doesn’t receive as much attention as Denver’s Pat Surtain II, but he’s set to make an impact by intercepting Stidham for a touchdown, effectively neutralizing Courtland Sutton during the game. — Solak
Matchup X factor: Broncos RB RJ Harvey. Look for Harvey to play a critical role in the passing game, giving Stidham the option for short passes when Harvey releases from the backfield, and allowing Payton to implement screen plays effectively. Harvey recorded five receptions for 46 yards in the divisional round victory over Buffalo. — Bowen
Intriguing bet: Broncos +4.5 is considered a defensive wager. The Broncos are expected to tighten up in the red zone, forcing field goals and converting drives into punts. Meanwhile, the Patriots can still advance and win without significant margins, with every point becoming hard-earned. — Maldonado
Officiating note: Both the Patriots and Broncos reached this point in part by profiting from defensive pass interference penalties late in their divisional victories. Referee Alex Kemp’s crew issued the seventh-most flags for defensive pass interference during the regular season (1.1 per game). — Seifert
Injuries: Patriots | Broncos
0:33
Pats focused on ball security for AFC title game
Mike Reiss discusses the Patriots’ strategy against the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.
Maldonado’s prediction: Patriots 24, Broncos 21
Moody’s prediction: Patriots 23, Broncos 19
Solak’s prediction: Patriots 27, Broncos 16
Walder’s prediction: Patriots 23, Broncos 20
FPI forecast: NE, 59.1% (averaging 3.3 points)
Must-read matchups: Are QB Maye’s turnovers a concern for the Patriots? … Broncos show confidence in backup QB Stidham … Broncos open practice window for RB Dobbins’ return
6:30 p.m. ET | Fox | SEA -2.5 (47.5 O/U)
Insights about the Rams: The Rams aim for their third consecutive road playoff victory, potentially setting a franchise record, according to ESPN Research. They could join the ranks of the sixth NFL team to achieve three straight road wins in a single postseason. “That’s been our narrative this year,” receiver Davante Adams stated. “I wouldn’t have scripted it this way, but it’s worked out, and we’ve found a way to bond despite being on the road.” — Sarah Barshop
Insights about the Seahawks: If the initial matchups between the Seahawks and Rams are any indication, expect this game to be closely contested. The teams split their regular-season matchups, with Los Angeles racking up 58 points and 830 total yards over the two games, while Seattle accumulated 57 points and 829 yards. “They’re a very solid team,” said Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald regarding the Rams. “They work hard, play cohesively, have talented players, and employ a commendable scheme. It’s an excellent matchup, fitting for this stage of the season.” — Brady Henderson
Key stat: The Rams lead the league with an average of 8.9 air yards per attempt. but, the Seahawks’ defense allows only 4.7 air yards per attempt, the lowest in the league. The Rams will face challenges against Seattle’s defense, which is effective against play-action—a key element of the Rams’ strategy—as they seek big plays. — Walder
Bold prediction: Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III, now the primary ball carrier with Zach Charbonnet sidelined for the season, is poised to eclipse his season-high rushing mark, aiming for over 116 yards, following his recent performance against the 49ers. — Solak
Matchup X factor: Rams TE Colby Parkinson. In Coach Sean McVay’s offensive scheme, the boot concepts play a crucial role. This season, quarterback Matthew Stafford has made a league-high 74 attempts on designed rollouts, opening opportunities for tight ends in the passing game. Parkinson has recorded 90 receiving yards and a touchdown in the Rams’ two playoff victories. — Bowen
Intriguing bet: Over 46.5. Both offenses thrive on volume, with each quarterback utilizing play-action, and previous matchups have led to significant scoring. Even the most disciplined defenses struggle against the pace, pressure, and unpredictability of special teams. A single game-changing play—like a missed tackle, blocked kick, or defensive touchdown—could swing this total dramatically. — Maldonado
Officiating note: The Rams (first) and Seahawks (eighth) were among the least-penalized teams in the NFL during the regular season, maintaining that trend into the playoffs. The Seahawks were penalized only twice in their divisional game, while the Rams have seen 11 flags in their two postseason games. Referee Clay Martin’s crew issued the ninth-most flags in the regular season (14.4 per game). — Seifert
Injuries: Rams | Seahawks
2:01
Greeny: Stafford is HOF lock if he wins Super Bowl, MVP
The “Get Up” crew discusses what a Super Bowl win and MVP title would mean for Matthew Stafford’s legacy.
Maldonado’s prediction: Seahawks 25, Rams 24
Moody’s prediction: Seahawks 26, Rams 23
Solak’s prediction: Rams 23, Seahawks 17
Walder’s prediction: Rams 20, Seahawks 17
FPI forecast: SEA, 53.9% (averaging 1.6 points)
Must-read matchups: How Kupp and Adams have improved Nacua’s performance … Can RB Walker III lead the Seahawks following Charbonnet’s injury? … Can Darnold finally defeat the Rams to reach the Super Bowl?
