by The field is set, the stakes are at an all-time high, and only four teams remain in the quest for the Lombardi Trophy. Following a chaotic Divisional Round that saw top-tier quarterbacks fall to injury and heavyweights crumble in the snow, the NFL Championship Games are officially locked in for Sunday, January 25, 2026. This year’s matchups offer a fascinating blend of “New Era” superstars and veteran savvy, featuring a classic AFC rematch and a gritty NFC West divisional rivalry that will determine who heads to Santa Clara for Super Bowl LX.
Championship Sunday Schedule: Times and TV Channels
Football fans should clear their calendars for a double-header of epic proportions. The NFL Championship Games kick off with the AFC title bout in the afternoon, followed immediately by the NFC’s primetime clash in the Pacific Northwest. Both games will be broadcast on major networks, ensuring that every pass, sack, and celebration is captured in high definition as the road to the Super Bowl reaches its penultimate destination.
| Game | Matchup | Location | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| AFC Championship | New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos | Empower Field at Mile High | 3:00 PM | CBS |
| NFC Championship | Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks | Lumen Field | 6:30 PM | FOX |
AFC Matchup: New England Patriots at Denver Broncos
The AFC side of the NFL Championship Games brings us a historic rematch with a modern twist. The top-seeded Denver Broncos (15-3) are back in the conference title game for the first time since 2015, but they face a monumental hurdle: the loss of rookie sensation Bo Nix, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury during their 33-30 overtime thriller against the Bills. Denver must now turn to backup Jarrett Stidham to lead them against the No. 2 seed New England Patriots. Meanwhile, Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel have the Patriots humming after a dominant 28-16 win over Houston, looking to return New England to the Super Bowl for the first time in the post-Brady era.
NFC Matchup: Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks
In the NFC, the NFL Championship Games will feature a “rubber match” between two fierce divisional rivals. The Seattle Seahawks (15-3) earned the right to host after a 41-6 decimation of the 49ers, showcasing a defense that has become the most feared unit in the league. They welcome a Los Angeles Rams (14-5) team that is essentially playing with house money; Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay have navigated two gritty road wins to get here, most recently surviving a snowy overtime battle in Chicago. With the season series tied at 1-1, the atmosphere at Lumen Field is expected to be the loudest of the decade.
Key Player Matchups to Watch
Every year, the NFL Championship Games are decided by the stars who rise to the occasion under the brightest lights. In Denver, all eyes will be on how Jarrett Stidham handles Mike Vrabel’s disguise-heavy defense, which forced five turnovers last weekend. In Seattle, the premier battle features Rams’ triple-crown threat Puka Nacua against Seattle’s “Legion of Boom 2.0” secondary. If Stafford can find rhythm against the Seahawks’ pass rush, the Rams could pull off yet another upset; however, if Seattle’s defensive line dominates like they did against San Francisco, it could be a long night for the visitors.
Prediction: Patriots vs. Broncos
When making predictions for the NFL Championship Games, the injury to Bo Nix shifts the landscape entirely. While Sean Payton is a master of offensive design, asking Jarrett Stidham to outduel a surging Drake Maye is a tall order. The Patriots’ defense is playing “bully ball” at the perfect time, and with Maye’s ability to extend plays, New England enters Denver as a rare road favorite. We expect a defensive struggle, but the Patriots’ stability at the quarterback position should be the deciding factor in a close contest.
The Pick: Patriots 24, Broncos 17
Prediction: Rams vs. Seahawks
Predicting the NFC portion of the NFL Championship Games requires weighing veteran experience against home-field dominance. Matthew Stafford has been in these trenches before and won a ring, but the 2026 Seahawks feel like a team of destiny. Seattle’s defense is currently recording an elite EPA/play, and Sam Darnold has done exactly what is required to keep the chains moving. In front of the “12s,” the Seahawks’ energy and defensive speed likely provide the edge they need to secure their first Super Bowl trip in over a decade.
The Pick: Seahawks 27, Rams 20
The Road to Super Bowl LX
The winners of the NFL Championship Games will have exactly two weeks to prepare for Super Bowl LX, held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on February 8. Whether we see a “New England Redemption” story or a “Seattle Homecoming,” the 2026 postseason has already proven that no lead is safe and no seed is guaranteed. As we prepare for Sunday, the only certainty is that the two teams left standing will have earned their place through some of the most physical football we’ve seen in years.
Championship Sunday is more than just a gateway to the Super Bowl; it is the ultimate test of a team’s culture and grit. As you prepare to watch the NFL Championship Games, keep an eye on the turnover margin, as both matchups features elite opportunistic defenses. The journey to the Lombardi Trophy is down to its final four contenders—who do you have reaching the mountaintop?
