NFL Playoffs: The Last Teams Standing

Only four teams are left in the NFL playoffs, and each one is led by players who shaped last weekend and will define what happens next. Here’s a look at who’s who heading into Championship Sunday—and how they earned their spot.

New England Patriots: Defense Leads the Way

The New England Patriots are still alive because of their defense. Against Houston, New England forced turnovers, pressured the quarterback all night, and took control early. Breakout quarterback Drake Maye played calmly, spreading the ball and throwing three touchdown passes without forcing mistakes.

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs provided a reliable target in big moments, using his sharp routes and experience to move the chains and score a key touchdown.

Veteran running back Rhamondre Stevenson helped close the game by grinding out tough yards late, but the story was the defense. Interceptions and constant pressure ended the Texans’ nine-game winning streak and sent the Patriots back to the AFC Championship Game.

Denver Broncos: Broken But Not Beaten

The Denver Broncos survived the wildest game of the weekend. Bo Nix, another young breakout quarterback made big throws, including a late touchdown that kept Denver alive, while kicker Wil Lutz handled pressure moments all game long.

Wide receiver Courtland Sutton played a major role by winning contested catches and giving Denver a physical presence on the outside.

Denver’s defense came up huge when it mattered most, forcing turnovers and sealing the game with an interception in overtime. But with Bo Nix injured and out for the playoffs, the Broncos need to prove they can win ugly on the defensive end, and that’s often what playoff football demands.

Seattle Seahawks: Speed, Power, and Control

No team looked more dominant than the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle took control immediately with a kickoff return touchdown and never let San Francisco recover.

Wide receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba consistently found space in the defense like he's done all year, turning short passes into big gains and scoring early to help Seattle build momentum.

Running back Kenneth Walker III powered the offense with three rushing touchdowns, while quarterback Sam Darnold played clean, mistake-free football. On defense, Seattle forced fumbles and sacks that kept the game out of reach by halftime. The Seahawks didn’t just win, they made a statement.

Los Angeles Rams: Built for Tight Games

The Los Angeles Rams showed why experience matters in January. Quarterback Matthew Stafford stayed patient, avoided big mistakes, and trusted his run game.

Their star wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams made tough all over the field and helped extend drives in critical moments, especially late in the game.

Running back Kyren Williams did the rest, scoring twice and controlling the tempo. The Rams were pushed to overtime after Chicago tied the game late, but their composure showed. A steady drive and a walk-off field goal ended the game and kept their Super Bowl hopes alive.

NFL Conference Championships — Sunday, January 25, 2026

AFC Championship: Patriots at Broncos — 3:00 p.m. ET NFC Championship: Rams at Seahawks — 6:30 p.m. ET

Two games. Four teams. Countless stars. The winners move on to Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium and the spotlight is brighter than ever.