Championship Sunday is here, setting the stage for two thrilling matchups as four teams compete for a coveted spot in Super Bowl 60. The day kicks off with the AFC championship game featuring a clash between the top-seeded Denver Broncos and the second-seeded New England Patriots. This marks the first time since the 2017 season that the Kansas City Chiefs will not be competing in the AFC title game.
The Broncos earned their place in the championship with a closely fought 33-30 overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills, albeit at a cost. Starting quarterback Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury during the game, forcing backup Jarrett Stidham to lead the team into the championship. Meanwhile, the Patriots have demonstrated their strength with back-to-back solid defensive performances in the playoffs.
Later in the day, the NFC championship game will feature a showdown between the top-seeded Seattle Seahawks and the fifth-seeded Los Angeles Rams. This matchup serves as a rubber match between the two NFC West rivals, with the Rams having previously edged the Seahawks 21-19 in their first encounter earlier in the season, before the Seahawks countered with a thrilling overtime victory, 38-37, in Week 16.
The Seahawks, boasting the league’s No. 1 scoring defense, are poised to finish another NFC West team’s campaign after decisively defeating the San Francisco 49ers 41-6 in the divisional round. The Rams, renowned for their No. 1-ranked scoring offense, will need to find the energy to perform after two emotionally charged playoff games.
For those wondering where to catch the action, the AFC championship game between the Patriots and Broncos is set for 2 p.m. CT on CBS, with Jim Nantz and Tony Romo calling the game. The NFC championship matchup featuring the Rams and Seahawks will take place at 5:30 p.m. CT on Fox, hosted by Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady.
As the Broncos prepare to host the Patriots at Empower Field in Denver, oddsmakers favor the Patriots, especially given the challenging situation the Broncos face with a backup quarterback. The spread currently stands at Patriots -3.5.
In the NFC, the Seahawks are slight favorites over the Rams with a spread of Seahawks -2.5. Both teams have shown remarkable resilience throughout the playoffs, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating championship Sunday.
The victors of these two epic battles will move on to Super Bowl 60, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California—a location that holds special memories for Broncos fans, as it was the site of their Super Bowl win over the Panthers in 2016. Football fans can expect a spectacular day filled with high-stakes action and memorable moments as these teams vie for a shot at the ultimate prize.