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Conference Championship Sunday 2026: NFL Betting Predictions And Key Matchups

logos for the Rams. Seahawks, Patriots, Broncos, AFC, and NFC

Championship Sunday 2026 is here, and the road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara has reached its final crossroads. With a rookie sensation sidelined in the AFC and a legendary veteran seeking one last ring in the NFC, the stakes couldn’t be higher for these four remaining titans.

Below, we examine the two lines for betting on the NFL Playoffs this Sunday, and also the latest NFL futures for Super Bowl LX.

NFL Playoff Bracket for the Conference Championships

New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos

  • Point Spread: Patriots -5.0 (-110), Broncos +5.0 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Patriots -250, Broncos +210
  • Over: 42.0 (-110)
  • Under: 42.0 (-110)

Sunday at 3:00 PM, the AFC Championship features a clash between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos that looks vastly different from last week’s game.

The headline is the loss of Denver’s rookie star, Bo Nix, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury during the divisional round.

Do The Broncos Have An Answer At QB?

With Nix out, Sean Payton turns to veteran backup Jarrett Stidham. Ironically, Stidham began his career in New England, but he now faces a daunting task: making his first start of the season in the conference title game.

While Stidham is a steady hand who knows Payton’s system, he lacks Nix’s mobility and “off-script” playmaking—factors that were crucial to Denver’s offensive identity.

Key Matchups

  • Drake Maye vs. Denver’s Secondary: Maye has blossomed into a top-tier distributor, but Denver boasts a top-5 defense. The battle between Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte and Broncos CB Riley Moss will be pivotal; New England will likely test the deep ball early.

  • The Trenches: Denver may see the return of RB J.K. Dobbins from IR, which is vital. For Denver to win, they must establish a run game to protect Stidham from a relentless Patriots pass rush led by Christian Barmore.

  • Coaching Duel: This is a chess match between Mike Vrabel’s disciplined defense and Sean Payton’s creative play-calling.

Expect a low-scoring, physical battle where the Patriots’ QB continuity gives them a distinct edge over a Denver team forced to reinvent itself on the fly.

Prediction: Bet On The Patriots To Win

Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks

  • Point Spread: Rams +2.5 (-110), Seahawks -2.5 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Rams +125, Seahawks -145
  • Over: 47.0 (-110)
  • Under: 47.0 (-110)

At 6:30 PM this Sunday, the NFC Championship offers a rubber match between the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks, two divisional rivals who have already played two thrillers this season.

With a trip to Super Bowl LX on the line, this matchup is defined by familiar schemes and high-octane stars.

The Quarterback Duel

This game features a fascinating “Old Guard vs. Redemption” storyline. The Rams’ Matthew Stafford is playing at an elite level, fresh off an overtime thriller in Chicago. On the other side, Seattle’s Sam Darnold has enjoyed a career renaissance as the pilot of the NFC’s #1 seed.

While Stafford has the postseason pedigree, Darnold has been exceptionally efficient at home, though he is currently managing a minor oblique injury.

Key Matchups

  • Stafford’s Weapons vs. Seattle’s Secondary: The Rams boast the deepest receiving corps in the league, led by Puka Nacua and veteran Davante Adams. Seattle’s ability to bracket Nacua while managing Adams will fall on the shoulders of Devon Witherspoon and a ball-hawking secondary that forced three turnovers in the divisional round.

  • The “Kupp” Factor: In a strange twist of fate, former Rams legend Cooper Kupp is now a primary target for Seattle. His knowledge of Sean McVay’s tendencies gives Seattle an “inside man” who can exploit the middle of the field.

  • Red Zone Resilience: The last time these teams met at Lumen Field, Seattle erased a 16-point deficit to win in overtime. The Rams must finish drives with touchdowns; field goals won’t be enough to silence the “12th Man.”

Expect a high-scoring affair where the final possession likely decides the winner of the NFC West’s ultimate tiebreaker.

Prediction: Bet On The Rams To Cover

Super Bowl LX 2026 Winner

  • Seattle Seahawks +155
  • Los Angeles Rams +225
  • New England Patriots +225
  • Denver Broncos +1400

The Seahawks (+155) remain favorites due to home-field advantage and a dominant defense that just dismantled the 49ers. The Rams (+225) and Patriots (+225) are neck-and-neck, relying on veteran poise and rising stars, respectively.

The Broncos (+1400) are long shots, needing a miracle from backup Jarrett Stidham.

Odds Provided By Bovada | Yahoo! Sports

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