Key Highlights
- Smith sounds off on the ramifications of the Patriots losing to Broncos QB Jarrett Stidham, who hasn't thrown a pass in two years.
- (1:33)Multiple ContributorsJan 23, 2026, 06:20 AM ETEmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe NFL playoffs' conference championship round for the 2025 season has two great matchups, and we have you covered with what you need to know for both. First, Patriots QB Drake Maye heads on the road for the first time in the playoffs to face a Broncos team that will be without QB Bo Nix (ankle) in the AFC title game.
- And then the weekend caps off with an NFC West battle between the surging Rams and Seahawks for the chance to go to the Super Bowl. Our NFL Nation reporters take you inside the locker room with the best thing they heard this week, and analytics writer Seth Walder provides a key stat to know for each matchup.
- NFL analyst Ben Solak also gives us bold predictions, and NFL analyst Matt Bowen identifies one matchup X factor to watch.
- Betting analyst Pam Maldonado picks out an intriguing bet in each of the games, and staff writer Kevin Seifert tells us what to know about the officiating.
