NFL Conference Championships 2026 Betting Preview: AFC & NFC Odds and Predictions

Patriots vs. Broncos Odds, Prediction, and Betting Pick

At -255 on the money, the Patriots have an over 72% implied probability to beat the Broncos outright. The injury to Nix has put the team in a tough position with their biggest game of the season next. Nix is out for the remainder of the playoffs with a broken ankle suffered in the 33-30 OT win over the Buffalo Bills.

As a result, former Patriots’ QB Jarrett Stidham, who hasn’t thrown a pass in the regular season, will have his number called. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Stidham was viewed as a potential replacement for Tom Brady. That obviously didn’t go according to plan, but Stidham looked the part briefly.

This picture was taken at Auburn in 2018. Jarrett Stidham was Auburn’s starting QB. Bo Nix was a HS recruit. Stidham will now start in place of Nix for a shot at a Super Bowl. pic.twitter.com/00LLxtVHCk

— Porter Johnson (@_PorterJohnson) January 18, 2026

Stidham has passed for 1,422 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions on 59.4% completions in 20 regular-season games. He’s been the backup quarterback since 2023 but hasn’t seen game action since that season, when he threw for 496 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

Expectations for Stidham aren’t high, but head coach Sean Payton should be able to simplify the game plan for him. The Broncos don’t need a Pro Bowl outing to beat the Patriots at home; they can lean on their defense. If Stidham protects the football and the Broncos win the turnover battle, they should be in a strong position.

Defensively, Denver ranks in the top five, allowing just 287.7 yards per game. New England prefers to establish the run to help QB Drake Maye, but the Broncos are well equipped to counter that approach.

They sit fourth in rushing defense, giving up only 96.2 yards per game on the ground. The secondary has held up well, too, surrendering just 191.6 passing yards per game this season.

Denver’s defense wasn’t particularly stout in the Divisional Round versus the Bills, but I expect them to bounce back.

It’s important to note that the Broncos have the best pass rush in the NFL. They’ve recorded 3.9 sacks per game and brought down Josh Allen for three big plays. Look for LB Nik Bonitto to have an explosive performance to disrupt the Patriots’ offense.

Nik Bonitto & Malcolm Roach

Game Balls 🏈🏈 pic.twitter.com/n6RurA9MoD

— NFL GameDay (@NFLGameDay) January 18, 2026

As an underdog, the Broncos are 4-0-1 against the spread (ATS) this season. The defense should come to play for this matchup. One or two costly Patriots’ turnovers and the projection of this game could be a lot different than many people expect.

With the Broncos’ defense generating pressure, and trust in Payton to have them prepared at home, I’m fading the public for my 2026 AFC Championship predictions!

Rams vs. Seahawks Odds, Prediction, and Betting Pick

The Seahawks blasted past the 49ers for a 41-6 final in the most lopsided matchup of the Divisional Round. Now, are they one of the best NFL conference championship picks? They certainly looked like the Super Bowl favorite in that showing but will need to beat the Rams in back-to-back meetings.

Seattle pulled off an epic 38-37 OT win to help solidify their NFC West title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC. As one of the most well-balanced teams remaining in the playoffs, the Seahawks are finding success on both sides of the ball.

QB Sam Darnold has quieted the doubters and has been steady for the Seahawks this season. Although he can be inconsistent at times, he’s risen to the occasion when it’s mattered the most. Darnold has passed for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions on 67.7% completions.

With Offensive Player of the Year finalist WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Darnold has enough talent around him to give him a lift. The real X-factor in this game could be WR Cooper Kupp, though. The 32-year-old wideout brings valuable playoff experience in big moments and has plenty of motivation to frustrate his former team.

Los Angeles has moved on to WR Puka Nacua as QB Matthew Stafford’s top weapon. While that was the right move, Kupp clearly has a chip on his shoulder. I’d be surprised if we don’t see him come up with several big, high-leverage plays throughout this matchup. He should have room to operate against a fragile secondary that has struggled to limit explosive passes.

Cooper Kupp will now face his former team for a spot in the Super Bowl 👀

The last time the Rams were in the Super Bowl, Kupp scored the game-winning TD and was named Super Bowl LVI MVP. pic.twitter.com/rGihAWfVD7

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 19, 2026

The Rams rank 21st in the league, giving up an average of 220.6 passing yards per game, and their secondary has seemingly regressed as the season has gone on.

They nearly blew a Wild Card game as double-digit favorites, allowing Panthers QB Bryce Young to throw for 264 yards. A week later, in snow, cold, and wind, Bears QB Caleb Williams still posted 257 passing yards against them.

In this spot, I’m confident Darnold can turn in a strong performance. The Seahawks have a clear defensive edge and are far more reliable on that side of the ball. They rank third overall, allowing just 282.8 yards per game. Over their last three contests they’ve surrendered only 182.7 yards per game, compared to the 355.7 yards the Rams have allowed in that span.

The trends also favor Seattle. After a win, the Seahawks are 11-3-0 ATS in 2025-26, and they’re 11-4-0 ATS as a betting favorite this year. I expect the Seahawks to win by at least a touchdown at home, so laying the points is one of your best 2026 NFC Championship betting picks.