Jarrett Stidham finds himself at the centre of attention this weekend as the NFL conference championship games approach, setting the stage for the Super Bowl match-up. A weakened Denver Broncos team prepares to face the New England Patriots, while two NFC West rivals, the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks, are set to clash in Seattle.
New England Patriots v Denver Broncos (Sunday 3pm ET/8pm GMT)
What New England Need to Do to Win
Clean up their act. In last week's game against the Houston Texans, Drake Maye was repeatedly blindsided by edge rushers Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. The duo caused significant disruption, sacking Maye five times and forcing three of his four fumbles. The Los Angeles Chargers also forced two fumbles from him in the wildcard round. Denver led the league in sacks during the regular season with 68, and they will be aiming to replicate that success on Sunday. However, Maye can reduce this threat by improving his awareness in the pocket and opting to take a sack rather than attempting impossible passes. New England's left tackle, Will Campbell, is likely to struggle in a few duels with edge defender Nick Bonitto, so Maye must be prepared for heavy pressure while securing the ball. Simply punting and forcing Denver's second-string quarterback, Jarrett Stidham, into difficult field positions might be sufficient for the Patriots to advance to the Super Bowl.
What Denver Need to Do to Win
Limit the Patriots to 20 points or fewer. Stidham then needs to remain composed and manage the offense carefully, avoiding forced throws against a team with a strong defense. Ideally, Denver would generate a dominant run game, but without the injured Bo Nix's scrambling ability, they lack the quality to relieve pressure on Stidham. Therefore, the responsibility falls on Stidham to perform. Denver's receivers, particularly their top wideout, Courtland Sutton, who struggled with drops against Buffalo, must improve their catching. The offensive line is solid, but Stidham will need patience, waiting for his wide receivers to get open rather than panicking under pressure. CJ Stroud's breakdown last week serves as a warning about the mental toll when New England's quarterback hunters apply pressure.
Key Player for the Patriots
Stefon Diggs, wide receiver. Diggs is the perfect counter to Denver's excellent passing defense. At 32 years old, he still possesses immaculate hands and reliability, finishing ninth for receptions in the regular season despite being 26th for total targets, with only two drops. If Maye connects with Diggs in the end zone, the receiver is sure to deliver.
Key Player for the Broncos
Garett Bolles, left tackle. The veteran continues to improve, earning his first All-Pro accolade this season at 33 years old. In 2025, Bolles allowed just six quarterback hits and zero sacks during the regular season. This level of protection is exactly what Stidham needs in only his fifth NFL start.
Prediction
Patriots over Broncos. The home crowd in Denver will inspire the defense to perform at a high level, making the game close, but not close enough. The Broncos' offense is likely to be outmatched and outscored by Maye's superior ability to make plays under pressure.
Los Angeles Rams v Seattle Seahawks (Sunday 6.30pm ET/11.30pm GMT)
What Los Angeles Need to Do to Win
Running back Kyren Williams can unlock Seattle's disciplined, fast, and destructive defense, led by linebacker Ernest Jones. To overcome a team that will dare Matthew Stafford to throw by showing light boxes, Williams must excel. Fortunately for the Rams, he is one of the most patient rushers in the NFL, always waiting for gaps to develop before breaking through. The Rams' elite pass protection also gives Sean McVay the flexibility to keep Stafford safe in the pocket against a menacing Seattle front. If Williams can sustain drives and force the Seahawks to bring an extra safety into the box, deep passes to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams should become available. This will help the Rams find the rhythm needed to counter Seattle's formidable defense.
What Seattle Need to Do to Win
The Seahawks have suffered a setback with Zach Charbonnet's torn ACL, meaning their run game will rely on Kenneth Walker, which could reduce offensive efficiency. Seattle needs to enhance their passing game to compensate, rather than relying on a rusty Cam Akers, who was recently on the practice squad. Akers may help keep Walker fresh but is unlikely to challenge the Rams effectively. A more potent threat involves Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed receiving quick, high-percentage throws and gaining yards after the catch.
Key Player for the Rams
Kevin Dotson, right guard. The offensive lineman has been motivated for weeks after Seattle's Derick Hall stepped on him when he was injured during LA's defeat at Lumen Field in Week 16. Dotson stated, "I'm not going to hold nothing against him until I can see him and get my get-back. Not gonna step on nobody, I'll get it between the whistles," before facing Chicago last week. It is bold to call his shot early, but the excellent run blocker has earned his opportunity to dominate the opposition.
Key Player for the Seahawks
Sam Darnold, quarterback. Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald said last month, "We want him to be decisive and rip it," regarding the best version of Darnold seen so far. When protected and throwing confidently, few are better in the NFL, and after a refreshing first playoff win last week, Darnold could quickly find his rhythm. The Seahawks may need this, as their running game is hampered, and this match could turn into a high-scoring affair.
Prediction
Seahawks over Rams. The team with the ball last might win, but Macdonald's squad has shown more consistency. Stafford's difficulty completing passes in Chicago last week was notable; he faces a tougher defense in equally hostile conditions on Sunday. A loud home crowd will propel Seattle to the Super Bowl.
