Now that the stage is set for the AFC and NFC championship games, it is important to reflect on what has led to these championship games. In the AFC, we get a matchup of the top two seeds, who have been on a collision course all season. However, the downside of the matchup is that the Broncos’ offense comes into this week compromised after quarterback Bo Nix fractured his ankle at the end of their Divisional Round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. In the NFC, we get to see a third battle between the Seahawks and Rams, who have already played two exciting games this season. As we prepare to see which of these teams has what it takes to reach the Super Bowl, it is a great time to predict what is likely to happen this weekend.
5. Defense Wins the NFC, Offense Wins the AFC
The Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks have set themselves apart from the NFL by playing some of the most efficient offensive football in the league this season. Consequently, these two offenses could cancel each other out, meaning the defense that makes the most plays will determine the winner. On the other hand, the AFC championship game is a matchup between two of the best defenses in the NFL, with the Broncos having an elite pass rush and the Patriots demonstrating the ability to force turnovers. Ultimately, the offense that can manage the storm it faces against the opposing defense will lead its team to the Super Bowl.
4. A Special Teams Disaster in Seattle
The biggest tone-setter for the Seattle Seahawks over the last few games has been their special teams’ explosive plays. Last week, the Seahawks jumpstarted their offensive attack against the 49ers with a 95-yard kickoff return by Rashid Shaheed in the first 13 seconds of the game. In addition, the Seahawks’ defense was a driving force in their win over the Los Angeles Rams late in the regular season, which allowed them to secure the top spot in the AFC. In that game, the Rams had a two-touchdown lead over the Seahawks in the 4th quarter, but a Seahawks punt return for a touchdown allowed them to mount a comeback and force overtime, then secure a 1-point win over the Rams. It is likely that explosive special teams’ plays will be the determining factor for which team wins the NFC championship this weekend.
3. Sam Darnold vs. Matthew Stafford
A similarity that the Rams and Seahawks share is their ability to generate explosive passing plays. Much of the credit for those explosive plays goes to the Rams’ quarterback, Matthew Stafford, and the Seahawks’ quarterback, Sam Darnold. Both quarterbacks have benefited from the ability of their top receivers, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Therefore, this week, the matchups between the Rams and Seahawks have the potential to see Nacua, Adams, and Smith-Njigba each produce over 100 receiving yards. That would be an unprecedented explosion of offensive production in an NFC Championship game. In addition, evidence that shows that this type of offensive explosion is the 581 passing yards in their last matchup with the Seahawks.
2. Jarrett Stidham Pulls a “2017 Nick Foles”
The stage is set for the NFL to see a feat unmatched in league history in the AFC Championship game. Due to the season-ending injury to Bo Nix, Broncos backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham has the chance to become the first NFL quarterback to win the AFC during his first start of the 2025 NFL season. Several factors support Stidham’s effort to win the AFC despite being a significant underdog following Bo Nix’s injury. One of those factors is an outstanding Broncos defense that has produced 71 quarterback sacks this season. In addition, Stidham has firsthand experience with the New England Patriots, having started his NFL career there. That experience gives Stidham firsthand knowledge of how the Patriots organization goes about winning a game of this magnitude. Those factors could be enough for Stidham to have a history-making performance against the Patriots.
1. The “Ghost of Tom Brady” Curse
The New England Patriots have not won an AFC Championship since quarterback Tom Brady left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the broadcast booth. However, this is the Patriots’ best opportunity to break the “Tom Brady Curse” thanks to outstanding play from quarterback Drake Maye. On the other hand, the Patriots have never beaten the Broncos in the playoffs, going 0-4 in their previous attempts. The combination of Bo Nix being out, Jarrett Stidham starting his first game of the season, and Patriots quarterback Drake Maye playing at an MVP-level is a recipe for success for New England. This could be the opportunity that Drake Maye needs for the Patriots to turn the page from their “post-Brady” era and start the “Drake Maye” era.
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