In a dramatic conclusion to the NFL conference championships, the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots secured their places in Super Bowl 60 after delivering contrasting but equally compelling victories on Sunday.
The NFC Championship game evolved into an offensive spectacle at Seattle’s Lumen Field, where the Seahawks outlasted the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 in a back-and-forth contest. Quarterback Sam Darnold, previously winless in playoff appearances before this season, delivered three touchdown passes alongside his Rams counterpart Matt Stafford in a game that saw multiple lead changes. The Seahawks’ victory was sealed by their top-ranked defense, which made a critical goal-line stand in the final minutes, denying the Rams three attempts from inside the six-yard line.
Meanwhile, the AFC Championship presented a stark contrast as the Patriots battled both the Denver Broncos and extreme weather conditions to claim a 10-7 victory. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye, a contender for season MVP honors, scored New England’s sole touchdown and demonstrated exceptional composure in blizzard conditions. The game’s turning point came when Broncos backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, starting due to Bo Nix’s injury, committed two costly turnovers that New England converted into points.
This Super Bowl matchup marks a historic rematch of the 2015 championship, where the Patriots narrowly defeated the Seahawks 28-24. For New England, this appearance extends their record to 12 Super Bowls, while Seattle seeks their second championship after claiming their only title in 2014.
The championship games also highlighted coaching narratives, with Seattle’s Mike Macdonald and British defensive coordinator Aden Durde reaching the Super Bowl in their second season, while Patriots coach Mike Vrabel aims to become the first person to win an NFL championship as both player and head coach with the same franchise.
Super Bowl 60 will take place on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, home of the San Francisco 49ers.