NFL Divisional Recap & Conference Championship Predictions!

The first game on Saturday was between the Bills and Broncos. The game went back and forth, and despite the fact the Bills turned over the ball four times, the game stayed close throughout. The game ended in a 30-30 tie at regulation. In overtime, the Broncos would start with the ball and punt shortly after. The Bills would then drive down the field until Bills QB Josh Allen threw a costly interception in Broncos territory. The Broncos drove down the field, and with the help of two defensive pass interference penalties, the Broncos were able to line up for an easy field goal, and win the game 33-30.

The second game on Saturday was between the 49ers and Seahawks. The 49ers offense never got going, and the Seahawks were fully able to take advantage. An opening kickoff return touchdown for the Seahawks set the tone early, and the Seahawks cruised to a 41-6 dominant victory.

Sunday opened with the Texans and Patriots. This game was very eventful, as both teams turned the ball over numerous times (mostly the Texans). The cold and snowy conditions were evidently in effect and were responsible for a lot of the drops and fumbles (again, mostly the Texans). Ultimately, the Texans offense could never get a consistent drive going, and the Patriots were able to take advantage and win, 28-16.

The divisional round concluded with the Rams and Bears. Both offenses struggled throughout the game, but a crazy touchdown by Bears QB Caleb Williams at the end of the fourth quarter tied the game at 17-17, sending the game into overtime. The Rams started with the ball and punted, to which the Bears would start driving down the field. However, Caleb Williams threw a costly interception, and the Rams were able to drive and score the game winning field goal, winning 20-17.

The matchups are now set!

The AFC championship will be between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, January 25 at 3:00 PM ET (on CBS)

The NFC championship will be between the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, January 25 at 6:30 PM ET (on FOX)

A couple of notes before the games:

The Patriots and Broncos have played each other in the AFC championship game before, in 2013 and 2015

Both of which featured Peyton Manning and the Broncos defeating Tom Brady and the Patriots

2015 was the Broncos' last AFC championship appearance, however, the last AFC championship appearance for the Patriots was in 2018 against the Chiefs, which they won in an overtime thriller

The Broncos will be playing without QB Bo Nix who injured his ankle in one of the final plays of their divisional round game

Instead, Jarrett Stidham will start at quarterback for the Broncos

The Seahawks have not appeared in an NFC championship game since 2014, when they beat the Packers in overtime

Meanwhile, the Rams have not appeared in an NFC championship game since 2021, when they beat the 49ers

Being division rivals, the Rams and Seahawks have already played twice this year:

In Week 11, the Rams defeated the Seahawks 21-19

In Week 18, the Seahawks defeated the Rams 38-37 (OT)

The AFC championship should be interesting. Drake Maye had several turnovers across the last two playoff games, and I can see this being an issue in the AFC championship. Denver's defense forced five turnovers against the Bills, a more experienced team than the Patriots, and I think the Patriots will struggle against the Broncos defense. However, in addressing the main storyline, the Broncos will struggle a lot more on offense because of Bo Nix's injury. Along with Stidham's lack of experience and playing time, the Patriots defense was able to intercept Texans QB CJ Stroud four times! Even though weather was a factor in this divisional game, I think Stidham will struggle even more. I have the Patriots winning this game.

The NFC championship should be more interesting, as these teams already met twice this year, each team winning one game. In their only playoff game so far, the Seahawks destroyed a 49ers team that I thought would make the game a lot closer. The Seahawks, in my opinion, have proved themselves as legitimate contenders. Rams QB Matthew Stafford was unable to generate much offense against the Bears. I think this will be a concern for the Rams who go into Seattle, arguably a more difficult place to play on the road, and against a defense that's much better than the Bears defense. While the Rams defense can disrupt the Seahawks offense, I don't think it'll be enough. While the Rams winning isn't impossible, I just think the Seahawks are more complete and consistent of a team, and for that reason, I have the Seahawks winning this game.

Before the playoffs started, I had the Rams as my Super Bowl pick, but as the postseason has progressed, a lot has changed. But what do you think the Super Bowl matchup will be this year? Which of these four teams will become the next Super Bowl champion? Is your favorite team still in the playoff race? Let me know what your predictions are!