Denver vs. New England.
Seattle vs. Los Angeles.
A trip to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, Calif., is on the line. Here’s who we see winning on Championship Sunday. Share your predictions in the comments if you’d like and be sure to join us inside the Gameday Chat.
Thanks, all.
TYLER DUNNE
Playoff Record: 7-3
AFC
All I ask is for Sean Payton to quit calling Jarrett Stidham, “Stiddy.” Dangerously close to Diddy. To the coach’s credit, he has not wavered in his support of the backup quarterback. Unfortunately, backups are backups for a reason. Denver has zero running game. The receiving corps is bleh. They were extremely fortunate to escape with a win last week. New England is a complete team in all three phases and Drake Maye should have no problems making plays vs. this pass rush after surviving the Texans. This will be his first of multiple trips to the Super Bowl. Patriots 27, Broncos 13.
NFC
Everything tells us to go Seattle. John Schneider, the PFWA executive of the year, has done a masterful job constructing this roster. His old boss from the Green Bay days — HOF’er Ron Wolf — must be proud. I’ll never forget how loud this stadium got in an NFC Championship Game 11 years ago, too. They’ll be out for blood. This Los Angeles Rams defense, however, knows Sam Darnold. Back to devouring him in the wild card round a year ago, this front four is capable of getting him off his spot to rush throws. They’ll fluster the Seahawks QB into two or three costly mistakes. The loss of Zach Charbonnet is a biggie, too. He’s a hammer. Weather should not be a factor for the Rams’ No. 1 offense. Judging by his comments all week, I think Sean McVay learned his lessons from Chicago. He’ll push the right buttons late to reach the Super Bowl for the third time in his career. Rams 28, Seahawks 21.
BOB MCGINN
Playoff Record: 7-3
AFC
The last time I covered a backup quarterback starting a playoff game was the Vikings’ Joe Webb at Lambeau Field in 2012 (Tyler was on the beat for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that night, too). The ex-UAB scrambler was dreadful, and the Packers won easily. These Broncos are better than those Vikings, and at least Jarrett Stidham will have the advantage of playing at home. But even with Bo Nix, Denver couldn’t run against the Bills. The Patriots will stack the box, Stidham will have to throw and the results will be equally dreadful. New England, 4-13 a year ago under Jerod Mayo, will take their 17-3 record under Mike Vrabel to the 60th Super Bowl. Patriots 22, Broncos 10.
NFC
Last Sunday, the Rams picked off Caleb Williams three times, and Caleb Williams doesn’t throw interceptions. Sam Darnold does. Counting the postseason, the Rams have a plus-15 turnover differential whereas the Seahawks are even. The Rams have run the ball on just about every opponent, and they’ll be able to achieve balance against a formidable front and the 12th Man. Furthermore, Seattle is down to one capable ball carrier. When it comes time for throwing the ball and settling accounts, give me Matthew Stafford over Darnold any day. Rams 20, Seahawks 18.
JIM MONOS
Playoff Record: 5-5
AFC
No Bo Nix, no care here. The Patriots would have lost to anyone last week other than C.J. Stroud. Nix is certainly a good quarterback but this team can handle an injury. Denver has a Super Bowl coach and Super Bowl-quality defense to find a way with a backup. Broncos 27, Patriots 20.
NFC
Sam Darnold has won a lot of games over these past two seasons but this is the game to solidify his stance as a trustworthy NFL starting QB. Seattle a complete team and the Rams are living on the edge too often for my liking. Seahawks take care of home field. Seahawks 31, Rams 28.
Stories/Pods this week, icymi:
Hunt for QB-HC harmony: Why Josh Allen is sitting in these meetings
Ty & Bob Pod S4 E18: Chicago Bears finally run out of magic in NFC playoff thriller
A chat on the direction of the Buffalo Bills with Patrick Moran
Real Football: Sean McDermott is out, Brandon Beane is promoted... now what?
Great stuff, check out our deep dive on that Bronco QB....https://profootballpiks.substack.com/p/championship-sunday-and-the-super
Two years ago, north of the border, the Toronto Argonauts went through a near identical scenario as Denver. Backup Nick Arbuckle won them the Grey Cup.