As the NFL playoffs progress, four teams remain standing with the opportunity to reach Super Bowl LX, set for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Looking at the current playoff picture, we examine the top four teams in contention for the Super Bowl. Will your favorite team make the cut? Here's how it's looking so far...
The four teams still in contention are:
- Seattle Seahawks (NFC)
- Los Angeles Rams (NFC)
- New England Patriots (AFC)
- Denver Broncos (AFC)
Each team has earned its way to the conference championship round, meaning they are one win away from the Super Bowl. However, factors such as injuries, recent performance, and statistical odds all play a role in determining which teams are most likely to succeed.
The NFC Championship: Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams
The NFC Championship Game is a rivalry matchup between two teams from the NFC West division who have already played each other twice this season. This contest will decide which team represents the NFC at Super Bowl LX.
Seattle Seahawks: The Favorites in the NFC
The Seattle Seahawks enter the NFC Championship Game as slight favorites and are widely regarded as the most likely NFC representative in the Super Bowl. Seattle finished the regular season with one of the best records in football and carried that momentum into the playoffs. They dominated their Divisional Round opponent, winning 41-6 and showcasing both a strong defense and a productive offense.
Seattle’s success this season has been driven by consistent performance in all three phases of the game. The defense has been especially strong, limiting opposing offenses and creating turnovers. The offense, led by QB Sam Darnold, has displayed the ability to move the ball on the ground and through the air, creating balanced scoring opportunities.
However, the Seahawks did suffer a significant setback when running back Zach Charbonnet was lost for the rest of the postseason due to a knee injury. Charbonnet was a key contributor in the running game and his absence means Seattle must rely more heavily on other runners, such as Kenneth Walker III.
Despite this loss, Seattle’s overall depth and home-field advantage give them a clear edge. The NFC Championship game will be played at Lumen Field in Seattle, where crowd noise and familiarity with the playing conditions often benefit the home team.
Los Angeles Rams: The Mid-Season Resurgence and Playoff Grit
The Los Angeles Rams earned their spot in the NFC Championship Game by winning two playoff games, including an exciting 20-17 overtime victory against the Chicago Bears. That win highlighted the Rams’ ability to play under pressure and to execute when games are on the line.
The Rams are led by veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has shown that he can make big plays in crucial moments. The offense also features playmakers who can stretch defenses and create opportunities downfield. On defense, the Rams have made enough stops to keep games close and have refused to be overwhelmed by stronger offenses.
Oddsmakers view this matchup as close, with the Seahawks just ahead in the betting lines. This suggests that even though Seattle is favored, the Rams have a real chance to win if they execute well and limit mistakes.
NFC Prediction: Seahawks Emerge Victorious
In a game that will likely be competitive and close, Seattle’s combination of strong defense, home-field advantage, and more balanced offensive threats gives them the edge.
Predicted NFC Champion: Seattle Seahawks
Reasoning: Despite losing Charbonnet, Seattle has maintained consistent performance, dominated a tough Divisional Round opponent, and still has the necessary talent and depth to advance. The Rams are formidable, but Seattle’s overall team play and home advantage give them a slight but meaningful advantage.
The AFC Championship: New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos
The AFC Championship Game is set between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos. This matchup features a team with recent playoff success against a high-seeded team with its own storyline.
New England Patriots: A Season of Surge and Discipline
The New England Patriots advanced to the AFC Championship by defeating two playoff teams, including a 28-16 victory over the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round. This marked the Patriots’ first conference title game appearance since 2019 and earned them an extended opportunity to play for the Super Bowl.
New England’s defense has played a significant role in keeping them competitive in tight games. They forced multiple turnovers and limited big offensive plays, especially in the Texans game. On offense, the Patriots’ quarterback has exhibited growth and composure, effectively spreading the ball to skill players and avoiding large mistakes.
Historically, the Patriots have been one of the most successful teams in NFL postseason play, particularly under long-time coach Bill Belichick. Although this season’s edition of the Patriots features different personnel, they retain a disciplined identity that often performs well in February. Recent history also shows that the Patriots have struggled at times in Denver, which makes this matchup intriguing and balanced.
Denver Broncos: A Season of Ups and Downs
The Denver Broncos entered the playoffs as the AFC’s No. 1 seed and had a strong regular season. They managed a dramatic 33-30 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills to advance to the AFC Championship. In that game, however, Denver suffered a major blow when young quarterback Bo Nix sustained a season-ending ankle injury late in the contest. Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham is expected to start in the AFC Championship.
Despite this setback, the Broncos’ defense has been among the league’s better units, generating takeaways and pressuring opposing quarterbacks. Their ability to win close games and make key defensive plays in critical moments helped them secure their position in this round.
Denver’s performance without Nix will be closely watched. Stidham has limited NFL experience, which could be a factor in how well Denver’s offense functions in the AFC title game. Meanwhile, the Broncos still have playmakers and a strong supporting cast, which could help them overcome adversity if they execute well.
AFC Prediction: Patriots Get the Edge
Given the uncertainty surrounding the Broncos’ quarterback situation and the Patriots’ more consistent performance under pressure, New England is predicted to emerge as the AFC representative in the Super Bowl.
Predicted AFC Champion: New England Patriots
Reasoning: While Denver has had a strong season, losing their starting quarterback late in the Divisional Round may limit their offensive efficiency. The Patriots have played disciplined football and appear better situated to win a close, low-scoring playoff game.
Projected Super Bowl LX Matchup: Seahawks vs. Patriots
With Seattle predicted to win the NFC and New England to win the AFC, this article projects that Super Bowl LX will feature the Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots.
This matchup sets up an interesting contrast of styles. Seattle will likely rely on its defense, a strong running game, and opportunistic passing. New England will lean on a disciplined defense of its own, a balanced offense, and strategic play-calling in key moments.
How Each Team Might Match Up
- Seattle’s Strengths: Strong defense, home-field advantage en route, balanced offense that can run and pass, and ability to control the line of scrimmage.
- Patriots’ Strengths: Disciplined defense, playoff experience, and an offense that can be efficient and avoid turnovers in critical situations.
In a Super Bowl matchup, turnovers, big defensive plays, and red ball control (such as running the ball in key situations) could define the game’s outcome.
The final result may come down to how well each team adapts to pressure and adjusts during halftime. Seattle’s defense will be tested against a methodical Patriots offense, while New England will need to account for Seattle’s dynamic playmakers on both sides of the ball.
Odds and Public Perception
Current betting odds support the idea that Seattle and New England are among the most favored teams to win the Super Bowl. DraftKings lists the Seahawks as the outright favorites to win Super Bowl LX, with the Rams and Patriots close behind, and the Broncos trailing due to the quarterback injury situation.
These odds reflect both team performance and public sentiment, but actual game results ultimately decide the champion.
Our Analysis
At this stage of the NFL season, only four teams remain with a chance to reach Super Bowl LX. Based on current performance, injuries, and expert analysis:
- The Seattle Seahawks are predicted to advance from the NFC.
- The New England Patriots are predicted to advance from the AFC.
- Super Bowl LX is projected to feature the Seahawks vs. Patriots.
These predictions are rooted in how each team has performed on the field, their resilience in the playoffs, and their statistical probability of victory. As with any sport, however, surprises are always possible — which is part of what makes the NFL playoffs so compelling to fans.
Regardless of which teams ultimately take the field on February 8, the road to Super Bowl LX promises to be exciting, competitive, and memorable.
