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Seahawks and Broncos Clinch Conference Championship Berths Ahead of Jan. 25 Showdowns

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Seahawks Decimate 49ers to Secure NFC Spot Seattle’s defense forced three turnovers while Sam Darnold completed 12‑of‑17 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown, and Kenneth Walker III rushed for 116 yards and three scores, propelling the Seahawks to a 41‑6 victory that locked them into the NFC Championship [1][2][3][4]. A 95‑yard kickoff return by Rashid Shaheed opened the scoring, and backup quarterback Mac Jones briefly entered the game after Darnold’s oblique issue [2][4]. The win marks Seattle’s fifth conference title appearance, the first in 11 years, and improves its overall 3‑1 record in such games [1].

Broncos Overcome Bills in Overtime Thriller Denver survived a 23‑point deficit to force overtime, then sealed a 33‑30 win with a Matt Prater field goal after a late interception by Ja’Quan McMillian, advancing the Broncos to the AFC Championship [2][3][4]. Buffalo outgained Denver but committed five turnovers, including four by Josh Allen, which proved decisive [4]. Bo Nix threw three touchdowns before exiting with a broken ankle that ends his postseason, prompting Jarrett Stidham to take over for the next round [4]. The victory also confirmed Drew Lock’s season‑ending injury, leaving Denver without its starter for the upcoming game [3].

Conference Championship Matchups Set for Next Weekend The Seahawks will host the winner of the Rams‑Bears game in the NFC Championship on Jan. 25, with Seattle listed as 2.5‑point favorites on BetMGM [1][2]. The Broncos will host the victor of the Texans‑Patriots clash in the AFC Championship, continuing their home‑field advantage after a decade‑long playoff drought [2][4]. Both title games will be broadcast nationally on FOX (NFC) and an unspecified network for the AFC, positioning the two teams for a potential Super Bowl 60 appearance at Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 8 [2].

Key Injuries Reshape Postseason Rosters Bo Nix’s broken ankle removes him from Denver’s lineup, with Jarrett Stidham slated to start in the AFC Championship [4][5]. Drew Lock suffered a season‑ending injury during Denver’s divisional win, creating further uncertainty at quarterback for the Broncos [3]. Seattle’s Sam Darnold entered the 49ers game despite an oblique injury, and his status remains a focal point for the NFC final [2][4].

Historical Context and Playoff Structure The Rams entered the NFC final with a 14‑5 record, marking their 12th conference title game appearance and a recent streak of four straight title‑game victories [1]. Since the 2020 playoff expansion, only one No. 1 seed per conference receives a bye, and No. 1 seeds hold a 9‑3 record in divisional games, though only the 2022 Chiefs have won the Super Bowl as a top seed in that span [1].

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