NFL Predictions Sunday, January 25, 2026: Conference Championship Picks, Odds, and Expert Analysis

Key Takeaways at a Glance

Two championship games decide the road to Super Bowl 60
Broncos vs Patriots highlights a high-stakes quarterback storyline
Seahawks vs Rams delivers a winner-take-all NFC West showdown

Introduction: A Defining Sunday in the 2025 NFL Season

NFL predictions for Sunday, January 25, 2026, center on one of the most anticipated days on the football calendar: Conference Championship Sunday. With only four teams remaining, every snap carries Super Bowl implications. The Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Rams each stand one win away from Super Bowl 60, and expert predictions suggest razor-thin margins in both matchups. Fans and analysts alike are locked in as the AFC and NFC champions will be crowned in a single dramatic afternoon and evening.

AFC Championship Prediction: Patriots at Broncos

The AFC Championship Game opens the day in Denver, where the Broncos host the New England Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High. This matchup has drawn national attention due to the injury that sidelined rookie quarterback Bo Nix, forcing Denver to rely on backup Jarrett Stidham. Making just his fifth career NFL start, Stidham faces the team that originally drafted him, adding another layer of intrigue.

New England enters the game as a road favorite, led by quarterback Drake Maye. Analysts believe the Patriots’ defensive pressure and late-game execution could be the deciding factors. According to USA TODAY, Stidham is expected to keep Denver competitive, but New England’s ability to close out tight games gives them the edge in the final minutes.

The Arizona Republic echoes a similar sentiment, suggesting that while Stidham’s story is compelling, the Patriots are more likely to capitalize on mistakes and control the tempo late. Both outlets project New England to punch its ticket to Super Bowl 60 with a narrow victory.

Game details:

Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Spread: Patriots (-5)

NFC Championship Prediction: Rams at Seahawks

The NFC Championship Game features a third meeting this season between NFC West rivals, the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks. Each team won once during the regular season, setting up a true winner-take-all contest at Lumen Field in Seattle.

Seattle has surged behind quarterback Sam Darnold, strong defensive play, and a physical running game. Analysts note that the Seahawks’ ability to control the line of scrimmage could wear down the Rams as the game progresses. USA TODAY highlights Seattle’s defensive dominance in recent weeks as a major reason they are favored to advance.

The Arizona Republic emphasizes special teams and defensive playmaking as the difference-makers, projecting that Seattle will again rise to the moment. While the Rams boast elite talent, including Puka Nacua and veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, expert consensus leans toward the Seahawks securing their first Super Bowl appearance in more than a decade.

Game details:

Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
TV: Fox
Spread: Seahawks (-2.5)

Betting Odds and Expert Consensus

Odds from BetMGM show both games expected to be tightly contested, reinforcing the unpredictability of championship football. Despite different score projections, analysts from multiple outlets align on the same winners: the Patriots in the AFC and the Seahawks in the NFC. That consistency suggests confidence in team balance, quarterback stability, and defensive reliability rather than headline-grabbing offensive explosions.

Conclusion: The Final Steps Toward Super Bowl 60

NFL predictions for Sunday, January 25, 2026, reflect more than just point spreads and scorelines. They tell stories of resilience, second chances, and teams peaking at the right moment. Whether it is Jarrett Stidham trying to defy expectations, Drake Maye aiming to lead New England back to the sport’s biggest stage, or Sam Darnold steering a revitalized Seahawks team, Conference Championship Sunday represents the essence of playoff football. As the league prepares for Super Bowl 60, this Sunday promises moments that will define the 2025 NFL season for years to come.

Key Points Summary

Patriots are favored to defeat the Broncos despite playing on the road
Seahawks expected to edge the Rams in a close NFC West rematch
Quarterback play and defensive execution are central to both outcomes
Experts agree on winners but anticipate tight, competitive games

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When are the NFL Conference Championship games played?

Both games take place on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

Who is favored in the AFC Championship Game?

The New England Patriots are favored by five points over the Denver Broncos.

Why is the Broncos quarterback situation important?

Denver is starting backup Jarrett Stidham due to Bo Nix’s season-ending ankle injury.

Who is favored to win the NFC Championship?

The Seattle Seahawks are slight favorites at home against the Los Angeles Rams.

Which teams are predicted to reach Super Bowl 60?

Expert projections point to the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.

Sources

USA TODAY – Expert predictions, odds, and analysis for the 2026 NFL Conference Championship games
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/01/20/nfl-playoffs-picks-predictions-odds-afc-nfc-conference-championship/88262603007/

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