Can the top-seeded Broncos pull off a miracle against the Patriots in the AFC Championship? The air is thick with anticipation as the NFL conference championship games loom, and the question on everyone's mind is whether the Denver Broncos, despite their top seed, have a genuine shot at overcoming the formidable New England Patriots.
New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos (Sunday, 3 PM ET / 8 PM GMT)
What the Patriots need to do to secure victory: It's all about cleaning up their act. Last week, against the Houston Texans, quarterback Drake Maye found himself under immense pressure, frequently blindsided by edge rushers Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. These two wreaked havoc, sacking Maye a staggering five times and forcing him into three of his four fumbles. This pattern of pressure isn't new; the Los Angeles Chargers also managed to force two fumbles from him in the wildcard round. Denver, having led the league in sacks with 68 during the regular season, will undoubtedly be aiming to inflict similar damage. However, Maye can significantly mitigate this threat by sharpening his awareness in the pocket, choosing to take a sack when necessary rather than forcing risky passes. New England's left tackle, Will Campbell, is highly likely to face a tough battle against Denver's edge defender Nick Bonitto, meaning Maye needs to be prepared for intense pressure and hold onto the ball securely. But here's where it gets interesting: Simply punting effectively and forcing Denver's second-string quarterback, Jarrett Stidham, into difficult field positions might be a viable strategy to secure a path to the Super Bowl.
What the Broncos need to do to secure victory: The primary objective for Denver is to limit the Patriots to 20 points or fewer. Following that, Stidham must maintain his composure and manage the offense with prudence, avoiding forced throws against a team boasting a formidable defense. Ideally, Denver would thrive in the run game. However, with the injured Bo Nix out, their ability to ease the burden on Stidham through consistent rushing success is diminished. And this is the part most people miss: It truly falls on Stidham's shoulders. Denver's receivers also need to significantly improve their ball-catching, especially their top wideout, Courtland Sutton, who struggled with drops against Buffalo. While the offensive line is exceptionally solid, Stidham will still need to exercise patience, waiting for his receivers to get open rather than panicking under pressure. The recent struggles of CJ Stroud serve as a stark reminder of what can happen when opposing defenses get into a quarterback's head.
Key player for the Patriots: Stefon Diggs, wide receiver. Diggs presents the perfect countermeasure to Denver's strong pass defense. At 32 years old, he possesses immaculate hands and remains exceptionally reliable, finishing ninth in receptions during the regular season despite being 26th in targets, with a mere two drops. If Maye connects with Diggs in the end zone, expect a decisive play.
Key player for the Broncos: Garett Bolles, left tackle. This veteran continues to impress, earning his first All-Pro accolade this season at 33 years old. In 2025, Bolles allowed only six QB hits and zero sacks throughout the regular season. This level of protection is precisely what Stidham requires in only his fifth NFL start.
Prediction: The Patriots are favored to win over the Broncos. While Denver's defense, fueled by a raucous home crowd, will undoubtedly elevate their game, it might not be enough. The Broncos' offense is likely to be outmatched and outscored by Maye's superior ability to make impactful plays under pressure.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks (Sunday, 6:30 PM ET / 11:30 PM GMT)
What the Rams need to do to secure victory: Running back Kyren Williams has the potential to be the key to unlocking Seattle's disciplined, swift, and disruptive defense, spearheaded by linebacker Ernest Jones. To overcome a team that will likely challenge Matthew Stafford to throw by presenting light boxes, Williams must deliver an outstanding performance. Fortunately for the Rams, he is one of the most patient rushers in the NFL, consistently waiting for openings to emerge before breaking through. The Rams' elite pass protection also grants coach Sean McVay the flexibility to keep Stafford protected in the pocket against Seattle's imposing defensive front. If Williams can consistently move the chains and compel the Seahawks to commit an extra safety to the box, then opportunities for deep passes to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams should materialize. This will allow the Rams to establish the rhythm needed to overcome Seattle's formidable unit.
What the Seahawks need to do to secure victory: The Seahawks have experienced a significant setback in their offensive strategy. With Zach Charbonnet's torn ACL, Seattle's run game will now predominantly rely on Kenneth Walker, which could potentially slow down the offense's efficiency. The Seahawks must creatively scheme their passing game to compensate for this deficiency, rather than relying on a rusty Cam Akers. While Akers, recently on the practice squad, might help keep Walker's legs fresh, he's unlikely to pose a significant threat to the Rams. A more potent option lies with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed, who can excel with quick, high-percentage throws and then generate substantial yards after the catch. But here's where it gets controversial: Is relying on a potentially less effective run game, even with a strong backup like Akers, the right move when the passing game has shown such promise?
Key player for the Rams: Kevin Dotson, right guard. This offensive lineman has been harboring a sense of unfinished business for weeks, ever since Seattle's Derick Hall stepped on Dotson while he was injured during the Rams' dramatic Week 16 defeat at Lumen Field. Dotson stated before facing Chicago last week, “I’m not going to hold nothing against him until I can see him and get my get-back. Not gonna step on nobody, I’ll get it between the whistles.” While bold to call your shot so far in advance, this brilliant run blocker has certainly earned the opportunity to dominate his opponent.
Key player for the Seahawks: Sam Darnold, quarterback. Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald recently expressed his expectations for the best version of Darnold, stating, “We want him to be decisive and rip it.” When he's protected and letting the ball fly, few quarterbacks in the NFL are better. And thanks to a palate-cleansing first playoff win last week, Darnold could quickly find his flow state. The Seahawks might need him to do so, given their compromised running game, and this matchup could easily devolve into a high-scoring shootout. And this is the part most people miss: Can Darnold maintain this level of decisive play against a more challenging defense in an equally hostile environment?
Prediction: The Seahawks are predicted to win over the Rams. This game is likely to come down to whoever possesses the ball last, but Macdonald's team has demonstrated greater consistency. Stafford's struggles to complete passes in Chicago last week were notable, and he's now facing an even tougher defense in an equally intimidating setting on Sunday. A vociferous home crowd is expected to propel Seattle to the Super Bowl.
What do you think? Are the Patriots too strong for the Broncos, or can Denver pull off an upset? And in the NFC, will the Seahawks' home-field advantage be enough to overcome the Rams? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
