Just one game remains in the 2025 NFL season. As we lament the arrival of the off-season and patiently wait for the Super Bowl, we’ll also be analyzing what went down this weekend. The conference championship games were thrilling showdowns in the cold weather. Interestingly enough, both matchups showed different ends of the entertainment spectrum. One was a grueling battle in the middle of heavy snow, while the other was an old-fashioned shootout. Quarterbacks were a big reason why that was the case. Today, let’s grade those quarterbacks, and see how their play elevated their team’s chances at reaching the Bowl.
Sam Darnold: A+
Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
If Darnold hadn’t already crushed the narratives surrounding his tendency to crumble under pressure during big games, he did after this performance. 3 touchdowns and 346 passing yards off of 25 completions helped punch his squad’s ticket to the Super Bowl. He was clutch, and shined under the brightest lights of his career.
Matthew Stafford: A+
Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
Stafford put a bow on his elite season with another dominant display. Seattle’s defense has proven itself to be among the top units in recent memory. And yet, Stafford was able to dice them up regardless. He matched Sam Darnold’s totals and recorded three touchdowns of his won along with 374 yards. Without him, it’s hard to imagine this Rams team even coming close to the spot they were in. What remains to be seen is if he’ll run it back in hopes to add another ring on his finger.
Drake Maye: C
Jan 25, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) reacts after defeating the Denver Broncos in the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Maye is building off of his MVP caliber regular-season with a sub-par playoff run. While he’s played against some of the best defensive units in the game in the harshest of conditions, 86 total passing yards is a losing statline. Of course, that’s not taking into consideration what he did on the ground. His 65 rush yards put him second among his team, and came at crucial points in the game. Overall, he did enough to win the game, but this won’t slide in the Super Bowl.
Jarrett Stidham: D+
Jan 25, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) drops back to pass against the New England Patriots during the first half in the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
It was a full blown disaster for Denver, and Stidham just couldn’t carry the load Bo Nix did. Stidham did fine short of his two turnovers. However, that lack of ball security reared its ugly head at the worst possible moments. His fumble allowed New England to score their only touchdown of the match, and his interception all but iced the game. Would it be a different story if Sean Payton took the points or if Will Lutz made an extra field goal? Sure. It’d also be different if Stidham held onto the ball.
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Wondering which quarterbacks may leave their old teams this off-season? Give this article a read!
