Get ready for an exciting Championship Round in the NFL! The odds and predictions are in, and we've got some intriguing matchups to analyze. One top seed is favored at home, while the other faces an underdog's challenge, making for an unpredictable weekend of football.
In the NFC, the Seahawks, the top seed for the fourth time, are aiming to continue their Super Bowl streak. With a rest advantage and a bit of history on their side, will Seattle dominate the Championship Round? Or will the Rams surprise everyone?
Over in the AFC, the Broncos, despite being the top seed, are underdogs against the mighty New England Patriots. This is a historic moment, as Denver becomes the biggest home underdog in conference championship history. But here's the twist: their starting quarterback, Bo Nix, is out for the season with an ankle injury. Jarrett Stidham, who hasn't thrown a regular-season pass in years, steps in against his former team.
Before placing any bets, it's crucial to consider the insights from SportsLine's advanced computer model. This model, with its impressive track record of over $7,000 in winnings for $100 players, has simulated every NFL game 10,000 times. It's on a hot streak, with a 53-37 run on top-rated picks since 2024.
The model has crunched the numbers for the 2026 NFL playoffs, and its predictions are in. One of its strongest picks for the Championship Round is the Under (42.5) in the Patriots vs. Broncos game at 3 p.m. ET. The model predicts a combined score of 40 points, with the Under hitting in over 50% of simulations.
But the model's predictions don't stop there. It has made confident calls on the winners and point spreads for both games this week, including an A-rated pick against the spread! You won't want to miss its expert NFL picks for every game.
So, will the model's predictions hold true? And will the underdogs surprise everyone? Join the discussion and share your thoughts in the comments! Are you ready to take on the challenge of predicting the NFL Championship Round?