2026 NFL Conference Championship Picks & Predictions
Championship Sunday brings elite defenses, superstar quarterbacks, and razor-thin margins. With Super Bowl dreams on the line, here’s how each matchup shapes up.
New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos
- Kickoff: Sun, 3:00 PM
- Line: Patriots -4.5 | Total: 42.5
Game Breakdown
- New England enters as the favorite thanks to a disciplined defense and strong situational football.
- Denver has been tough at home all season, but scoring consistently against top defenses has been a challenge.
- The relatively low total (42.5) suggests a defensive, methodical game with long drives and few explosive plays.
Key Factors
- Patriots’ playoff experience vs. Broncos’ home-field edge
- Red-zone efficiency will decide this game
- Turnovers could swing momentum fast
Prediction
Patriots win, but it’s closer than expected
Projected Score: Patriots 23, Broncos 20
- Game likely does NOT go to overtime
- Winning margin: Patriots by 1-6 points
Conference Champion Pick: New England Patriots
Los Angeles Rams @ Seattle Seahawks
- Kickoff: Sun, 6:30 PM
- Line: Seahawks -2.5 | Total: 46.5
Game Breakdown
- Seattle is slightly favored at home, where crowd noise and defensive pressure matter most.
- Rams bring an aggressive offense capable of quick strikes, especially if they establish the run early.
- Higher total (46.5) points to a faster-paced, more explosive game than the AFC matchup.
Key Factors
- Seahawks’ home dominance
- Rams’ ability to protect the quarterback
- Big-play potential on both sides
Prediction
Seattle survives a tight NFC battle
Projected Score: Seahawks 27, Rams 24
- The game stays in regulation
- Winning margin: Seahawks by 1-6 points
Conference Champion Pick: Seattle Seahawks
Super Bowl Projection (Fan Prediction)
- AFC Champion: New England Patriots
- NFC Champion: Seattle Seahawks
A classic Super Bowl setup: Patriots vs Seahawks, experience vs energy, defense vs playmaking.