NFL

NFL Conference Championships Predictions & Betting Tips (2026)

3 hours ago

| BY Alex McMahon

Our NFL tipster previews the Conference Championship games as the four remaining playoff teams do battle to reach Super Bowl LX.

Victory this weekend will book a ticket to Super Bowl LX and the showpiece fixture of the 2025 NFL season will take place at Levi’s Stadium in a fortnight’s time.

Plenty of NFL betting followers will be looking to predict the double on Conference Championship weekend, with a competitive look to the two fixtures.

Here, I look at both encounters and give my thoughts – as well as a score prediction for each Conference Championship match. In addition, you can find the latest Super Bowl odds at the bottom of this preview.

NFL Conference Championship Weekend Schedule:

New England Patriots at Denver Broncos – 8pm
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks – 11.30pm

Denver Broncos vs New England Patriots Prediction

With Bo Nix ruled out for the rest of the season, the Broncos turn to back-up quarterback Jarrett Stidham. He will be making his first NFL start for two years but Denver will be hopeful that they can edge past their opponents on Sunday evening.

The Broncos have won nine of their 10 home games this season and we know that the altitude at Mile High Stadium can play a huge role in the outcome of matches – it gives Denver a unique advantage on home turf.

However, New England have one of the stingiest defensive units in the National Football League and they were brutal in their opening two playoff games this postseason, conceding just 19 points and allowing one touchdown in eight quarters of football.

The key will be if the Patriots can offer better protection to quarterback Drake Maye. He has been sacked 10 times through two postseason games this year and Denver’s defensive front will be smelling blood ahead of Sunday’s contest.

Expect a close affair but Nix’s injury swings this tie firmly in favour of the road team and I fancy the Pats to get the job done.

Broncos v Patriots score prediction: New England Patriots 20 – 13 Denver Broncos.

Seattle Seahawks vs Los Angeles Rams Prediction

The NFL is undoubtedly more competitive than the AFC and two of the best teams in the conference actually compete in the same division, with the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams clashing for the third time this season on Sunday night.

Seattle sent a statement of intent to their NFC West rivals by clinching top spot in the conference and the Seahawks are 11-0 in home playoff games since 2006 – making them a strong favourite ahead of this weekend’s game.

However, the Rams did beat the Seahawks in Week 11 of the regular season and were 16 points up before a late capitulation enabled Seattle to come-from-behind to prevail in overtime.

These teams are very familiar with one another and it should be another nail-biting contest. It could go right down to the wire and the Rams certainly have the upper hand at quarterback with MVP candidate Matthew Stafford under center.

Much will depend on the fitness of Sam Darnold but he is expected to start and Seahawks fans will be hoping that he receives stellar protection from his offensive line. That could be the difference between victory and defeat on Sunday night.

Buckle up, it’s sure to be an exciting and intriguing contest that may flip-flop throughout. I’m siding with the Seahawks to just about get it done.

Seahawks v Rams score prediction: Los Angeles Rams 24 – 27 Seattle Seahawks.