The 2026 NFL Playoffs are heating up as Wild Card Weekend approaches (January 10-12), with Divisional Round games set for January 17-18. The Denver Broncos (AFC No. 1) and Seattle Seahawks (NFC No. 1) hold byes and home-field advantage through their respective conference championships.
After the Divisional Round, the NFL re-seeds again: the higher remaining seed hosts the Conference Championship on January 25, 2026. Super Bowl LX follows on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
This preview explores the most likely and potential AFC and NFC Championship matchups, current odds (as of January 7, 2026), key storylines, and includes printable bracket paths for you to track the road to the title.
AFC Championship Potential Matchups & Odds
Most Likely Scenario (Higher Seeds Advance):
- Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots
Early odds: Broncos -3.5, O/U 48.5
Bo Nix’s efficient play meets Drake Maye’s rookie magic in a clash of young QBs. Denver’s elite defense at home could overwhelm the Pats’ surge.
Upset-Fueled Alternatives:
- Denver Broncos vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars +7.5
Trevor Lawrence in the playoffs at Mile High-could be a shootout if Jacksonville’s late-season offense carries over. - Denver Broncos vs. Houston Texans
Texans +9
C.J. Stroud’s debut playoff run turning into a Cinderella story? Bold dark horse path.
Current AFC Champion Odds (Top Contenders):
- Denver Broncos: +250 (favorite)
- New England Patriots: +550
- Jacksonville Jaguars: +800
- Houston Texans: +1200
- Buffalo Bills: +1400
NFC Championship Potential Matchups & Odds
Most Likely Scenario:
- Seattle Seahawks vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Early odds: Seahawks -2.5, O/U 47
A potential rematch vibe with defending champs Eagles traveling to the loudest stadium in football. Jalen Hurts vs. Seattle’s secondary would be must-watch.
Upset-Fueled Alternatives:
- Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams
Rams +6
Matthew Stafford returns to the NFC title game? McVay’s scheming + Puka Nacua could exploit Seattle’s pass defense. - Seattle Seahawks vs. Chicago Bears
Bears +10
Young guns Caleb Williams and the Monsters of the Midway shocking the world on the road.
Current NFC Champion Odds (Top Contenders):
- Seattle Seahawks: +220 (favorite)
- Philadelphia Eagles: +400
- Los Angeles Rams: +650
- Chicago Bears: +900
- San Francisco 49ers: +1100
Printable Conference Championship Paths Bracket
Below are text-based blank bracket paths you can screenshot or copy for your own printable tracking. Fill in winners as the playoffs progress!
AFC Championship Paths
| Higher Remaining Seed (Hosts) | vs. | Lower Remaining Seed |
| No. 1 Denver Broncos (bye) | vs. | Divisional Winner (No. 2/3/4/5/6/7) |
| (Reseeded after Divisional) |
NFC Championship Paths
| Higher Remaining Seed (Hosts) | vs. | Lower Remaining Seed |
| No. 1 Seattle Seahawks (bye) | vs. | Divisional Winner (No. 2/3/4/5/6/7) |
| (Reseeded after Divisional) |
For full printable versions, check our growing collection:
Final Thoughts
The paths are wide open-home-field edges for Denver and Seattle make them clear favorites, but playoff chaos (hello, upsets!) could deliver dream matchups like Rams-Seahawks or Texans-Broncos. Stay locked to SportsBrackets.net for live updates, printable brackets, and Super Bowl previews as the road to Santa Clara unfolds!
