Patriots, Seahawks Advance to the Superbowl

Seahawks Outlast Rams 31-27 in NFC Championship Classic (photo WBRC6)

By Walker Johnson

Jan 26, 2026, 8:45AM

SEATTLE — In a high-octane, back-and-forth NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field, the Seattle Seahawksheld off the Los Angeles Rams for a thrilling 31-27 victory, earning their first Super Bowl appearance in over a decade.

Quarterback Sam Darnold delivered the performance of his career, throwing for three touchdowns and over 340 yards, leading Seattle to Super Bowl LX.

Seattle jumped out early behind a strong ground game, as Kenneth Walker III powered in a 2-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. The Seahawks continued to apply pressure, taking a 17-13 lead into halftime.

The second half turned into an offensive shootout.

Darnold found Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who finished with 10 receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown, while Walker added another score to give Seattle a 31-27 edge late in the third quarter.

The Rams, led by Matthew Stafford, refused to go quietly. Stafford threw for 374 yards and three touchdowns, repeatedly attacking Seattle’s secondary. Star wide receiver Puka Nacuadominated, hauling in nine catches for 165 yards and a touchdown, while Davante Adams added 89 yards and a score.

The defining moment came midway through the fourth quarter.

Trailing by four, Los Angeles drove deep into Seattle territory and faced 4th-and-4 at the Seahawks’ 6-yard line. Stafford’s pass to the end zone was broken up by cornerback Devon Witherspoon, making a game-saving defensive play.

Seattle’s defense then closed the door, forcing the Rams to burn clock and preventing any late miracle drive.

Darnold finished 25-of-36 passing, and Seattle totaled over 430 yards of offense in a statement win.

Second-year head coach Mike Macdonald has guided the Seahawks to the franchise’s first Super Bowl since the 2014 season.

413’s Key Performers:

• Sam Darnold (SEA): 3 TD passes, 340+ yards

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA): 10 catches, 153 yards, TD

• Kenneth Walker III (SEA): Rushing TD, receiving TD

• Matthew Stafford (LAR): 374 yards, 3 TDs

• Puka Nacua (LAR): 165 yards, TD

• Devon Witherspoon (SEA): Game-saving 4th-down breakup

Photo by CBS Sports

Patriots Edge Broncos 10-7 in Snowy AFC Championship Thriller

DENVER — In a gritty, defense-dominated battle at Empower Field at Mile High, the New England Patriots punched their ticket to Super Bowl LX with a hard-fought 10-7 victory over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday.

Playing in heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, offense was at a premium, and it was New England’s defense and quarterback Drake Maye’s legs that ultimately made the difference.

Denver struck first in the opening quarter, as backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, filling in for the injured Bo Nix, had connected with Marvin Mims Jr. on a 54-yard strike that would set up the Broncos in red-zone territory. On 3^rd & goal, Stidham, found Courtland Sutton on a 6-yard touchdown pass to give the Broncos a 7-0 lead.

New England responded in the second quarter after a critical fumble recovery deep in Denver territory. Drake Maye capped the short field with a 6-yard rushing touchdown, tying the game at 7-7 heading into halftime.

The decisive drive came early in the third quarter. The Patriots put together a grinding 16-play march, chewing up clock and field position before settling for a 23-yard field goal by Andres Borregales, giving New England a 10-7 lead.

From there, defense ruled the day.

The Broncos had multiple chances to tie the game, but New England’s special teams and secondary delivered clutch moments. Leonard Taylor III blocked a 45-yard field goal attempt by Wil Lutz, preserving the Patriots’ slim lead late in the fourth quarter.

On Denver’s final possession, rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez sealed the victory with a crucial interception of Stidham with just over two minutes remaining.

Maye finished with modest passing numbers (10-of-21 for 86 yards), but made his biggest impact on the ground, rushing for 65+ yards and consistently extending drives with his legs.

New England’s defense forced two turnovers and held Denver to just 181 total yards, dominating in the harsh conditions.

With the win, first-year head coach Mike Vrabel has guided the Patriots back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2018, setting up a championship showdown against Seattle.

413’s Key Performers:

• Drake Maye (NE): 86 passing yards, 65 rushing yards, 1 TD

• Christian Gonzalez (NE): Game-sealing interception

• Courtland Sutton (DEN): 1 TD reception