The Divisional Round of the 2026 NFL Playoffs is complete. Four teams remain. Two championship games now decide who advances to Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara.
The weekend reshaped the playoff picture. Denver survived a dramatic overtime win but lost its franchise quarterback. New England advanced with defense and discipline. Seattle delivered the most dominant performance of the postseason. The Rams continued their late-game magic.
Here are updated predictions from the Conference Championship Games through Super Bowl 60, based on what we have seen on the field so far.
AFC Championship Prediction
New England Patriots at Denver Broncos
Sunday, January 25, 2026 – 3:00 PM ET (CBS)
Denver needed overtime to escape Buffalo. The Broncos won 33-30, but the celebration was short-lived. Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle late in the game and will miss the rest of the playoffs. Jarrett Stidham is expected to start with the Super Bowl on the line.
New England earned its spot by beating Houston 28-16. The Patriots controlled the game with defense, pressure, and timely turnovers. Drake Maye did not need to do too much. The defense handled the rest.
Denver still owns the altitude advantage and one of the league’s toughest home environments. The Broncos defense can keep any game close. But the offense changes completely without Nix. Sustaining drives becomes harder. Explosive plays disappear.
New England plays patient football. The Patriots force quarterbacks into mistakes and rarely beat themselves. They will test Stidham early and often. Denver will hang around, but field position and turnovers decide this one.
Pick: Patriots 24, Broncos 20
NFC Championship Prediction
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks
Sunday, January 25, 2026 – 6:30 PM ET (FOX)
Seattle made a statement in the Divisional Round. The Seahawks dismantled San Francisco 41-6 and never let the game breathe. They remain unbeaten at home this season.
The Rams survived another close one. They outlasted Chicago 20-17 in overtime. Matthew Stafford delivered again, but the Rams needed every second to get through.
Seattle enters rested, confident, and balanced. Sam Darnold has led a career resurgence, guiding the offense with efficiency and composure. The defense has overwhelmed opponents. Lumen Field remains one of the hardest places to play in January.
The Rams have experience and late-game composure. But playing on the road after an overtime game is a tall task. Seattle’s speed on defense creates pressure. Turnovers swing the momentum.
Seattle takes control early and never fully lets go.
Pick: Seahawks 27, Rams 17
Super Bowl 60 Prediction
New England Patriots vs Seattle Seahawks
Sunday, February 8, 2026 – 6:30 PM ET (NBC)
Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Two different paths lead here. New England survives with defense and efficiency. Seattle arrives with balance and confidence.
The Patriots slow games down. They force opponents to earn everything. Seattle brings more firepower and more speed. On a neutral field, the Seahawks still have the edge.
Seattle strikes first. New England responds with field goals and defense. The Patriots stay within reach deep into the fourth quarter, but Seattle closes the door with ball control and smart decisions.
Final Score: Seahawks 28, Patriots 20
Super Bowl MVP: Sam Darnold
Also check out our 2026 NFL Playoffs Predictor and our Super Bowl LX predictions.
Key Storylines of the 2026 Playoffs
Bo Nix Injury Alters the AFC
Denver’s season turns on one moment. Nix’s injury removes the spark that carried the Broncos all year. Without him, the margin for error disappears.
New England Wins with Defense
The Patriots reach the Super Bowl by forcing turnovers and limiting mistakes. Their defense remains the backbone of the team.
Sam Darnold’s Career Revival in Seattle
Written off by many earlier in his career, Darnold has stabilized Seattle’s offense and led the Seahawks to a 14-3 record. His efficiency and decision-making have unlocked a complete team.
Seattle’s Complete Team Emerges
Seattle dominates at home and proves it can win in different ways. Offense, defense, and discipline all show up when it matters most.
FAQs: 2026 NFL Playoff Predictions
Who is predicted to win Super Bowl 60?
The Seattle Seahawks are predicted to defeat the New England Patriots 28-20.
Who is playing in the AFC Championship Game?
The New England Patriots face the Denver Broncos in Denver.
Who is playing in the NFC Championship Game?
The Seattle Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams.
What happened to Bo Nix?
He suffered a broken ankle in the Divisional Round and is out for the postseason.
Who is the key player for the Seattle Seahawks?
Sam Darnold is the key player. He has led Seattle through a breakout season and into the NFC Championship.
When is Super Bowl 60?
Sunday, February 8, 2026, with kickoff at 6:30 PM ET.
Why are the Seahawks favored over New England?
Seattle is more balanced. The Seahawks combine efficient quarterback play, a reliable run game, and a fast defense. On a neutral field, they have more ways to control the game late.
What trend has defined the 2026 NFL Playoffs?
Defense, turnovers, and home-field advantage. Teams that protect the football and control field position have consistently advanced.
The 2026 NFL Playoffs continue to reward defense, discipline, and home-field advantage. Injuries change paths. Turnovers decide games. Seattle looks like the most complete team left standing. New England arrives tough and resilient, but the Seahawks have the edge heading into Super Bowl 60.
