The NFL Divisional Round delivered intense games, nail-biting moments, and determined the four teams that will compete in the Conference Championships, the prelude to Super Bowl LX 2026.
After drama-filled matchups and outstanding individual performances, the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC) have their headliners, with historic showdowns and divisional rivalries poised to define the season.
2026 NFL American Football Conference Championship Game: Patriots vs. Broncos
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos secured their first playoff victory since Super Bowl 50, defeating the Buffalo Bills in a pivotal Divisional Round game.
Once again, Josh Allen and head coach Sean McDermott were left on the sidelines after the quarterback committed four turnovers, a decisive factor in the AFC’s top seed’s elimination.
However, the victory came at a high cost for Denver: Bo Nix was ruled out of the Championship Game after being injured on the second-to-last play of the game. Coach Sean Payton confirmed that Jarrett Stidham will be the starting quarterback against New England.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots returned to the NFL Conference Championship game after seven years, after defeating the Houston Texans.
Although Drake Maye had a quiet performance, the Foxborough defense was decisive, intercepting C.J. Stroud four times and sealing their spot in the AFC Championship.
The most recent playoff matchup between the Patriots and the Broncos dates back to the 2015 AFC Championship, when Peyton Manning outdueled Tom Brady in a game that became an NFL classic.
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2026 NFL National Conference Championship: Rams vs. Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks broke a six-year playoff win drought by decisively defeating the San Francisco 49ers.
Kenneth Walker was the star of the game, racking up over 100 yards and three touchdowns, backed by a dominant defense known as “The Dark Side.”
Seattle will now face a divisional rival, the Los Angeles Rams, in the NFC Championship, in what will be the third matchup between the two teams this season.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams advanced with difficulty after eliminating the Chicago Bears in a game that was not for the faint of heart.
Caleb Williams kept Chicago alive with a spectacular play at the end of regulation; however, in overtime he threw an interception that allowed Harrison Mevis to seal the game with a game-winning field goal.
Lumen Field will be the stage where the Rams and Seahawks determine the National Conference champion, in a matchup defined by rivalry and the parity shown during the regular season.
Schedules and where to watch the 2026 NFL Conference Championships LIVE
The NFL Conference Championship Games will be played this Sunday, January 25, and will be broadcast on free-to-air TV, pay TV, and streaming:
AFC Championship Game: New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos
- Day: Sunday, January 25
- Schedule: 2:00 PM
- Broadcast: ESPN, Disney+, Fox Sports and NFL Game Pass
NFC Championship Game: Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks
- Day: Sunday, January 25
- Schedule: 5:30 PM
- Broadcast: FOX Sports and NFL Game Pass
