With the NFL Playoffs having delivered incredible finishes and highlight plays, expectations for last weekend’s Conference Championship games were as high as they could get – and the two games did not disappoint.

The Denver Broncos had a fantastic season up to this weekend, leaning on their strong defense and a breakout season from their second-year quarterback, Bo Nix. Unfortunately, Nix suffered a devastating ankle injury late in last week’s game against Buffalo, forcing the Broncos to rely on veteran backup Jarrett Stidham in their quest for the Super Bowl.

Denver matched up against the hot New England Patriots, led by MVP candidate Drake Maye and a significantly improved defense thanks to first-year head coach Mike Vrabel. Coming off a game where their defense forced 5 turnovers against the Texans, the Patriots walked confidently into Mile High Stadium on Sunday.

The Broncos jumped out to an early 7-point lead after Jarrett Stidham connected with Courtland Sutton for a touchdown. Maye and the Patriots’ offense struggled to answer until a costly fumble set the Patriots up in the red zone, leading Maye to a 6-yard rushing touchdown. It was 7-7 at the half.

In the second half, snow started falling and coated the field. The inclement weather led to mistakes for each team, including a combined total of four missed field goals. Andy Borregales’ successful field goal gave the Patriots a 3-point lead that they held for the rest of the game. A late-game interception by cornerback Patriot Christian Gonzalez sealed the deal.

Despite poor offensive performance, the defense played exceptionally well and helped lead the Patriots to their 12th Super Bowl appearance on a final score of 10-7. 

“Don’t have many words,” Maye said, who at 24 will become the second youngest quarterback to ever reach the Super Bowl. “Just thankful for this team. Love each and every one of them. It took everybody.”

While the AFC Championship was a dogfight dominated by defenses, the NFC Championship showcased an offensive masterclass from two top quarterbacks.

The Seattle Seahawks prevailed over the San Francisco 49ers in their divisional round game and looked to bring the same firepower at home against the Rams. Led by second-year head coach Mike MacDonald, the Hawks were hungry to clinch their first Super Bowl appearance since 2014 and craved the opportunity to do so in front of their home fans.

In their path stood the Los Angeles Rams, led by MVP candidate Matthew Stafford and the offense-minded head coach Sean McVay. Fresh off a close overtime victory against the Bears, the Rams hoped to best their divisional rivals and reach the Super Bowl.

The Seahawks opened the scoring with a Kenneth Walker rushing touchdown. After a couple of field goals from each team, the Rams finally answered with a Kyren Williams receiving touchdown, giving Los Angeles a 13-10 lead. Seahawks Quarterback Sam Darnold and Wide Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba quickly answered with a well-executed drive, ending in a touchdown for the star receiver who led the league in receiving yards. The score was 17-13 Seahawks at halftime.

In previous matchups between these two teams during the regular season, turnovers were key. While the first half was clean and turnover-free, the second half opened with a costly special teams fumble by Rams receiver Xavier Smith. The fumble led Darnold to another touchdown by connecting with Jake Bobo, a player who had just four receptions on the season prior to Sunday. The Rams quickly answered on a long drive led by veteran wideout Davante Adams, and Seattle snapped back with a touchdown to former Rams legendary receiver Cooper Kupp.  

The scoring flurry continued after a costly taunting penalty by Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen, which extended a Rams drive where Stafford found Puka Nacua for a long touchdown. Getting the ball back with a little over 12 minutes left in the game, the Rams got to the Seattle 6-yard line. However, the drive stalled thanks to big plays from Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon, causing the Rams to turn the ball over on downs. The Seahawks didn’t give the ball back until 25 seconds left.

Seattle got the job done and won the game with a final score of 31-27. The biggest storyline in this game came from Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold. After years of mediocrity and switching teams, Darnold demonstrated his worth as a third overall pick, putting up 346 yards, three touchdowns and no turnovers in the biggest game of his career.

“You can’t talk about the game without talking about our quarterback,” said second-year head coach Mike MacDonald. 

The Patriots and Seahawks are now heading to a Super Bowl matchup that NFL fans are all too familiar with after the shocking end of Super Bowl XLIX. The Seahawks will seek revenge for a play that has defined their franchise for the past 10 years.