Broncos and Seahawks Advance to Conference Championships as Key QBs Injured
Updated (4 articles)
Broncos Overcome Bills in Overtime Thriller Denver erased a 23‑10 deficit, forced overtime and clinched a 33‑30 win on Matt Prater’s 38‑yard field goal after Ja’Quan McMillian intercepted a Hail‑Mary‑type pass [1]. Josh Allen’s four turnovers and five Buffalo turnovers sealed the Bills’ fate despite outgaining Denver [3]. Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle on the final drive and is out for the season [1][3]; the Broncos also confirmed Drew Lock’s season‑ending injury during the game [2].
Seahawks Decimate 49ers to Secure NFC Spot Seattle jumped to a commanding lead with Rashid Shaheed’s 95‑yard kickoff return for a touchdown and never looked back, winning 41‑6 [1][2][3]. Sam Darnold earned his first playoff victory, completing 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown [3]; Kenneth Walker III added 116 rushing yards and three scores [1][2]. San Francisco’s Brock Purdy endured relentless pressure, and the 49ers lost Charbonnet to a knee injury while backup Mac Jones entered late [1].
Injuries Reshape Quarterback Landscape for Denver Bo Nix’s broken ankle ends his postseason, and Jarrett Stidham is slated to start the AFC Championship [3]. Drew Lock’s season‑ending injury leaves Denver with further uncertainty at quarterback [2]. Coach Sean Payton announced Nix is done for the year, dramatically altering Denver’s QB options heading into the next round [2].
Conference Championship Matchups Set for Next Weekend The Broncos will host the winner of the Texans‑Patriots game in the AFC Championship, while the Seahawks will host the winner of the Rams‑Bears contest in the NFC Championship [1]. Super Bowl 60 is scheduled for February 8 at Levi’s Stadium [1].
Sources (4 articles)
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[1]
BBC: Broncos and Seahawks reach Conference Championships after dramatic wins: Summarizes both divisional victories, highlights key plays, injury updates, and upcoming championship matchups, emphasizing Super Bowl 60 details.
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[2]
Newsweek: Broncos, Seahawks advance to conference championships after Divisional Round wins: Focuses on the wins, adds Drew Lock’s season‑ending injury and Bo Nix’s season‑ending status, and provides schedule context.
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[3]
CNN: Broncos edge Bills in OT; Seahawks roll past 49ers to reach conference finals: Offers detailed play‑by‑play, notes Bo Nix surgery and Jarrett Stidham replacement, and mentions Falcons coaching hire as side news.
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[4]
BBC: NFL divisional round predictions include 49ers @ Seahawks: Provides expert predictions and analysis before games, highlighting analysts’ picks and reader engagement, without reporting actual outcomes.
Timeline
Jan 17, 2026 – The NFL releases the Divisional Round slate, pairing Buffalo at Denver and San Francisco at Seattle on Saturday, with Houston at New England and Los Angeles at Chicago on Sunday, setting the path toward Super Bowl 60[2].
Jan 17, 2026 – Analysts Phil McGeoghan, Mike White and Paul Higham all back the Denver Broncos to advance, citing the team’s resilient culture amid injuries, a defensive edge from a bye week, and a history of one‑score games in Denver[2].
Jan 17, 2026 – The same panel predicts Seattle will defeat San Francisco, highlighting the Seahawks’ stingy defense and improved ground game versus the 49ers’ injury‑plagued roster and weaker pass rush[2].
Jan 17, 2026 – Experts favor New England over Houston in the Patriots‑Texans matchup, pointing to Drake Maye’s mobility and the risk of turnovers from CJ Stroud[2].
Jan 17, 2026 – Predictions split on the Bears‑Rams game, with Rob Staton backing Chicago and Mike White/Phil McGeoghan favoring Los Angeles, underscoring the uncertainty of the late‑season clash[2].
Jan 17, 2026 – In the AFC Divisional game, Denver rallies from a 23‑10 deficit, forces overtime and wins 33‑30 as Matt Prater nails the decisive field goal; the victory marks Denver’s first home playoff win in a decade[3].
Jan 17, 2026 – Bo Nix suffers a broken ankle on the final drive and is ruled out for the remainder of the postseason, prompting Sean Payton to announce his season‑ending injury[3].
Jan 17, 2026 – Seattle dominates San Francisco 41‑6, opening with Rashid Shaheed’s 95‑yard kickoff return and never looking back; Sam Darnold earns his first playoff win as a starter, completing 12 of 17 passes[3].
Jan 17, 2026 – The Seahawks’ victory secures a home NFC Championship game, awaiting the winner of the Rams‑Bears matchup[3].
Jan 17, 2026 – The Atlanta Falcons hire former Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski as head coach, ending Raheem Morris’s tenure and signaling a new direction for the franchise[3].
Jan 18, 2026 – Denver confirms Bo Nix is done for the year and announces Jarrett Stidham will start the AFC Championship, while also reporting quarterback Drew Lock’s season‑ending injury[4].
Jan 18, 2026 – The conference championship matchups are set: Denver will host the winner of the Texans‑Patriots game in the AFC, and Seattle will host the winner of the Rams‑Bears game in the NFC[1].
Jan 18, 2026 – The NFL schedules Super Bowl 60 for Feb 8 at Levi’s Stadium, cementing the season’s climax and providing the ultimate destination for the Broncos and Seahawks’ playoff runs[1].