NFL Conference Championships 2026: Full Schedule, Matchups, Game Times, TV Channels & Preview
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| NFL Conference Championship 2026 Schedule |
The NFL Playoffs have reached their penultimate weekend, with only four teams left standing and two conference titles on the line. The AFC and NFC Conference Championship Games will determine the participants in Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
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Conference Championship Full Schedule (All Times ET)
Sunday, January 25, 2026:
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AFC Championship Game
New England Patriots at Denver Broncos
3:00 p.m. ET
Empower Field at Mile High – Denver, CO
CBS / Paramount+ / NFL+
Prize: Winner earns a trip to Super Bowl LX and the Lamar Hunt Trophy. -
NFC Championship Game
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks
6:30 p.m. ET
Lumen Field – Seattle, WA
FOX / FOX One / NFL+
Prize: Winner earns a spot in Super Bowl LX and the George Halas Trophy.
These games cap off a dramatic playoff stretch that began with Wild Card Weekend on January 10–12 and the Divisional Round on January 17–18.
Team News & Storylines
AFC: Patriots vs. Broncos
The Patriots and Broncos punched their tickets to the AFC title game with contrasting victories in the Divisional Round. New England displayed defensive discipline and opportunistic offense to eliminate the Houston Texans, while Denver needed an overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills to advance.
Patriots Overview:
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New England’s offense has been energized under their dynamic quarterback and key playmakers.
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The defense has forced turnovers at crucial moments.
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They aim to break a long streak of road playoff frustrations.
Broncos Overview:
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Denver is the top seed in the AFC and features a balanced roster.
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Injuries have impacted quarterback play, with a backup set to start in the Championship Game.
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The Broncos’ defense remains a key strength.
X-Factors & Predictions:
ESPN analytics and oddsmakers see the Patriots as slight favorites due in part to Denver’s quarterback uncertainty, which could be decisive in a tight contest.
A win here gives the Patriots their ticket to Super Bowl LX — their first Super Bowl appearance in several seasons — while Denver hopes to leverage home-field advantage late into the postseason.
NFC: Rams vs. Seahawks
The NFC Championship renews a storied rivalry between the Rams and Seahawks. Seattle cruised to a decisive victory in the divisional round, while Los Angeles needed an overtime win in a gritty road battle to reach this point.
Seahawks Overview:
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Seattle has thrived on both sides of the ball, particularly with a strong defense that can change momentum quickly.
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Special teams and explosive playmaking have been consistent.
Rams Overview:
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Los Angeles boasts a potent offense with one of the league’s most effective passing attacks.
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Coach Sean McVay’s experience in big games could be pivotal.
Rivalry Context:
The Seahawks and Rams have a long history of close NFC West battles, and this postseason meeting adds another chapter.
Forecast:
With Seattle at home and playing their best football of the season, analysts lean slightly toward the Seahawks. However, Los Angeles’ firepower ensures this will be an entertaining and unpredictable matchup.
How to Watch & Stream
Fans across the U.S. can watch these pivotal games on major broadcast networks or stream online:
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AFC Championship:
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CBS / Paramount+ / NFL+
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NFC Championship:
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FOX / FOX One / NFL+
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Streaming options often include live networks through services such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and others that carry the respective networks.
What’s Next: Super Bowl LX
The winners of these two title games will meet on February 8, 2026, in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. The game kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET and will be nationally televised on NBC with streaming available on Peacock.
This pairing will cap off one of the most compelling playoff runs in recent memory, with legacies, rivalries, and future franchise direction all on the line.
