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The NFL postseason narrows to four contenders as AFC and NFC title games will decide who advances to Super Bowl 60. Two familiar franchises and two resurgent teams face high stakes, injury drama, and quarterback questions that could reshape the road to Las Vegas.
Championship weekend: schedule and broadcast details
The conference finals are set for Sunday, Jan. 18. Both games air on network television and stream online, with kickoff windows separated to create a full day of playoff football.
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- AFC Championship: New England Patriots at Denver Broncos — 3:00 p.m. ET on CBS
- NFC Championship: Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks — 6:30 p.m. ET on Fox
All games move to Sunday from this stage of the playoffs, so there is no Thursday Night Football this week.
Key storylines shaping each matchup
Denver vs. New England: resilience and a sudden QB change
The Broncos earned a trip to the AFC title game, but their quarterback situation shifted dramatically after the divisional round.
- Bo Nix injury: Nix suffered a broken bone in his ankle late in the win over Buffalo.
- Jarrett Stidham steps in: Stidham hasn’t started in two years, but head coach Sean Payton has entrusted him with Denver’s playoff hopes.
- Patriots’ return: New England appears in the conference final for the first time in seven years, seeking another deep postseason run.
Seahawks vs. Rams: rivalry renewed, title ambitions high
This NFC clash is an intra-division showdown with familiar foes and championship aspirations on both sidelines.
- Seattle advantage: The Seahawks host at Lumen Field, where the crowd can tilt momentum.
- Sean McVay’s goal: The Rams coach aims to reach his third Super Bowl as a head coach.
- Balanced threats: Both teams show offensive and defensive matchups capable of swinging the game either way.
Where to watch: TV and streaming options for the playoffs
Fans can catch the action on major networks and via popular streaming services that carry CBS and Fox.
- Network TV: CBS (AFC), Fox (NFC)
- Streaming: Fubo and Paramount+ offer live feeds; Fubo often provides a free trial for new users.
- Local broadcasts: Regional affiliates carry the same games, subject to blackout and market rules.
Cord-cutters should verify streaming device compatibility and subscription status before kickoff.
Betting angles and what to watch on game day
Injury updates and quarterback changes will affect lines and strategies. Pay attention to these factors:
- Quarterback experience and recent starts
- Weather and home-field advantage, especially in Denver and Seattle
- Coaching adjustments and in-game play-calling tendencies
Late scratches and injury reports should be checked in the hours before kickoff for the latest information.
Other sports and televised highlights tonight
Even without Thursday Night Football, several notable events are on TV across leagues.
- NBA on Prime Video: Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks, 7:30 p.m. ET; Lakers vs. Clippers, 10:00 p.m. ET
- Men’s college basketball: Wisconsin vs. Penn State, 7:00 p.m. ET on FS1
- Women’s college basketball: Multiple ranked matchups on NBC, SECN, TNT, and ESPN in the evening
- NHL: Detroit Red Wings vs. Minnesota Wild, 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Quick links and resources for fans
- Latest NFL news and rumors
- 2026 NFL schedule and scores
- Current NFL standings
- How to bet on NFL games
