2026 NFL Playoff Bracket and Schedule: Conference Championships Set
The NFL playoff season is really heating up as we head into the conference championship games. After a wild weekend of divisional matchups, we’ve got our final four.
The Los Angeles Rams pulled off a tense overtime win against the Chicago Bears. Now, they’re set to face the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game.
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots are gearing up to battle the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship. Both teams punched their tickets with solid wins last weekend.
Let’s dive into the playoff picture and see what’s coming as the Super Bowl gets closer.
Contents
Divisional Round Recap
The divisional round brought plenty of drama and a few moments that fans won’t forget anytime soon. In the NFC, the Rams squeezed past the Bears 20-17 in overtime.
They’ll now go up against the Seahawks, who absolutely steamrolled the 49ers in a blowout. Over in the AFC, the Patriots handled the Texans 28-16.
The Broncos, on the other hand, barely edged out the Bills in another overtime thriller. It was a weekend packed with tension and surprises.
NFC Divisional Games
The NFC games really showed off the grit of these teams. The Rams, powered by their offense, managed to outlast the Bears in a game that came right down to the end.
The Seahawks, meanwhile, sent a message with their dominant win over the 49ers. The NFC Championship is shaping up to be a good one.
- Los Angeles Rams 20, Chicago Bears 17 (OT)
- Seattle Seahawks 49, San Francisco 49ers 10
AFC Divisional Games
The AFC matchups didn’t disappoint either. The Patriots, as usual, looked sharp in their 28-16 win over Houston.
The Broncos needed overtime to get past the Bills, eventually winning 23-20. Fans definitely got their money’s worth.
- New England Patriots 28, Houston Texans 16
- Denver Broncos 23, Buffalo Bills 20 (OT)
Conference Championship Preview
Looking ahead, these conference championship games are about as big as it gets. Winners here are heading to the Super Bowl, so there’s a lot on the line.
NFC Championship: Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks
The NFC Championship pits the Rams against the Seahawks. The Rams just survived a tough battle with the Bears, while the Seahawks come in riding high after crushing the 49ers.
Honestly, it’s tough to pick a favorite—both teams have firepower on offense and some real bite on defense. Should be a slugfest.
Key factors to watch:
- Quarterback Play: Can the Rams’ quarterback handle the Seahawks’ tough defense?
- Defensive Matchups: The Rams’ defense against Seattle’s explosive offense could decide everything.
AFC Championship: New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos
Over in the AFC, the Patriots take on the Broncos. The Patriots have the experience and the brains on the sideline, but the Broncos have been a tough out all postseason.
Plenty of storylines here—it’s hard not to get excited for this one.
Key factors to watch:
- Coaching Strategies: Will the Patriots’ game plan outfox the Broncos’ staff?
- Key Players: Big names on both sides could end up being the difference.
How to Watch
Both conference championship games are set for Sunday, January 25. The AFC game—Patriots vs. Broncos—kicks off at 3 p.m. ET.
The NFC Championship, Rams vs. Seahawks, starts at 6:30 p.m. ET and will be on FOX.
For more details or to keep up with the playoff bracket and schedule, check out the official Fox Sports NFL Playoff Bracket Schedule.
Conclusion
The NFL playoffs have, once again, brought us those unforgettable moments. The kind that stick with you long after the games end.
With the conference championship games coming up, the excitement is honestly hard to ignore. Even if you’re just tuning in for the first time, these matchups feel like must-watch events.
Want more NFL news and updates? Follow your favorite teams and players on Fox Sports. And yeah, keep an eye on those playoff twists—because who really knows what’s next?
