NFL 2025 Conference Championship Games Recap

The NFL 2025 Conference Championship Games delivered two dramatically different paths to the Super Bowl, with defense and efficiency defining one matchup and explosive offense headlining the

other. As the final hurdle before the league’s biggest stage, both games highlighted how execution, situational football, and discipline ultimately decide championship outcomes.

Patriots 10, Broncos 7: Defense and the Ground Game Carry New England

The New England Patriots secured their Super Bowl berth with a gritty 10–7 victory over the Denver Broncos, leaning heavily on defense and a run-first offensive approach. New England totaled 206 yards of offense, with just 65 passing yards and 141 rushing yards, underscoring a conservative but effective game plan built to minimize mistakes.

Quarterback Drake Maye played a dual-threat role, completing 10 of 21 passes for 86 yards while adding 65 rushing yards on ten carries, including the game’s lone Patriots touchdown. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson anchored the offense with 25 carries for 71 yards, consistently grinding down Denver’s defense. In the passing game, Mack Hollins made the most of limited opportunities with two receptions for 51 yards, while Stefon Diggs contributed five catches for 17 yards, primarily serving as a possession receiver.

The Patriots’ defense proved decisive, recording 59 tackles, three sacks, seven quarterback hits, one interception, and a forced fumble. Their ability to pressure the quarterback and create turnovers kept Denver’s offense from finding rhythm. Despite the win, New England must improve its third-down efficiency (6-for-18) heading into the Super Bowl. Denver’s focus in the offseason and beyond will center on improving third-down execution (4-for-14) and reducing turnovers, which ultimately cost them a chance to advance.

Seahawks 31, Rams 27: Offensive Firepower Sends Seattle to the Super Bowl

In contrast, the Seattle Seahawks outlasted the Los Angeles Rams in a high-scoring 31–27 victory, fueled by a dominant passing performance. Quarterback Sam Darnold delivered one of the most impressive outings of the postseason, completing 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns, consistently attacking the Rams’ secondary.

Wide receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba emerged as the offensive centerpiece, hauling in 10 receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown. Cooper Kupp added a critical red-zone score with four receptions for 36 yards, while Jake Bobo capitalized on limited opportunities with a 17-yard touchdown catch. On the ground, Kenneth Walker III contributed balance with 19 carries for 62 yards and a touchdown, keeping the Rams’ defense honest.

Seattle’s defense played an opportunistic role, forcing four fumbles and totaling 60 tackles, though it allowed significant yardage. The Seahawks will need to limit total yards allowed in the Super Bowl, as sustained defensive lapses could prove costly. For the Rams, the loss was largely tied to offensive inefficiency—particularly on third down (1-for-8)—a weakness that stalled drives and limited scoring opportunities.

Looking Ahead

Together, these Conference Championship Games reinforced a timeless NFL truth: teams can reach the Super Bowl in different ways, but success always hinges on situational execution. Whether through defensive dominance or offensive explosiveness, the Patriots and Seahawks earned their place on football’s biggest stage—and now turn their focus toward finishing the job.