Experts Predict: Patriots Defeat Broncos, Rams Narrowly Overcome Seahawks to Secure Super Bowl Spots
As anticipation builds for the NFL conference championship games, experts weigh in on the matchups between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos, as well as the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks.
Expert Predictions: Patriots vs. Broncos
The AFC title game pits the No. 1 seed Denver Broncos (15-3) against the New England Patriots (16-3). This matchup will take place on Sunday and features a backup quarterback, Jarrett Stidham of the Broncos, facing off against second-year standout Drake Maye.
Stidham, drafted by the Patriots in 2019, is set to make his fifth career start. Originally, this game was expected to feature Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, reminiscent of their classic playoff battles a decade ago.
- Denver Broncos: 8-2 in AFC title games
- New England Patriots: Appearing in their 16th conference championship game
The Patriots are favored by 5.5 points, largely due to the Broncos losing starting quarterback Bo Nix to an ankle injury during the divisional round against Buffalo. In their last game, New England’s defense thrived, intercepting four passes and securing a pick-6 in their 28-16 victory over Houston.
Both teams boast strong defenses. Denver allows just 18.3 points per game, thanks to All-Pro defensive lineman Zach Allen and cornerback Patrick Surtain II. The Patriots’ defense closely follows, allowing 18.8 points per game. The stakes are high, with New England aiming for its 12th Super Bowl appearance and seventh Lombardi Trophy.
Rams Look to Upend Seahawks
In the NFC championship game, the Los Angeles Rams (14-5) face the No. 1 seed Seattle Seahawks (15-3). This clash marks a significant chapter as both teams are division rivals looking to establish supremacy.
The Rams are attempting to secure their third consecutive road win after victories over Carolina and a dramatic overtime win against Chicago. Quarterback Matthew Stafford leads a high-powered offense, contributing to the Rams’ league-leading scoring average of 30.5 points per game.
- Seattle Seahawks: Leading defense, allowing 17.2 points per game
- Rams’ defense: Recently tightened up after a five-game stretch of high scores
Seattle reached the title game for the first time in 11 years after defeating the 49ers 41-6. Quarterback Sam Darnold faces a tough task, having struggled against the Rams previously. In December, he threw two interceptions and was sacked multiple times in a close contest that ended with Seattle overcoming a significant deficit.
With both teams eager to advance to the Super Bowl, predictions suggest a close matchup. Experts lean slightly in favor of the Rams pulling off an upset with a projected score of 27-26.
Key Matchup Insights
| Team | Record | Points Allowed per Game | Points Scored per Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Broncos | 15-3 | 18.3 | Not specified |
| New England Patriots | 16-3 | 18.8 | Not specified |
| Seattle Seahawks | 15-3 | 17.2 | 28.4 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 14-5 | Points not specified | 30.5 |
The conference championships promise thrilling action as the Patriots seek to return to Super Bowl glory and the Rams aim for redemption against their rivals. Experts from Filmogaz.com will continue to analyze the outcomes as the games unfold.
