In the Divisional Round, both number one seeds, the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks, capitalized on their bye week, advancing to their respective Championship finals with the benefit of additional rest compared to their upcoming opponents.
Even marginal advantages can yield meaningful results at this stage of the season, and both franchises will seek to maximise this benefit as they compete this weekend.
Let’s take a look at this week’s NFL Championship Round odds.
NFL Championship Round Odds At-a-Glance
The Broncos have been thrown into chaos with the devastating injury news about Bo Nix, which has complicated the odds for their upcoming AFC Conference game against the New England Patriots.
In the NFC, fans can look forward to what is expected to be the third showdown between the Rams and their divisional rivals, the Seahawks, a clash likely to determine this season’s Super Bowl favourite.
New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos (+5.5)
Sunday, January 25 – 3:00 PM ET
The Denver Broncos have advanced to the AFC Conference final; however, they face a significant challenge despite securing home-field advantage. Bo Nix has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a broken ankle sustained during Saturday’s victory. This is an unfortunate development for the Broncos, who have maintained an unbeaten postseason record against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium, including pivotal wins in the AFC Conference finals in both 2014 and 2016, even during the Belichick and Brady era.
It seems unlikely that the Broncos’ favorable history against the Patriots will continue without Nix, and this longstanding record may be at risk this weekend.
Weather And Patriots Momentum Factor In
The current weather forecast in Denver predicts a cold, clear January day, with temperatures expected to reach only 10 degrees. These conditions could present additional challenges for the Broncos as they attempt to halt the momentum of a Patriots team that has performed impressively throughout the season under head coach Mike Vrabel. Quarterback Drake Maye has delivered outstanding performances all year, demonstrating consistent progress. While the Patriots have also suffered injuries, most notably to defensive players such as Carlton Davis, whose absence will be felt, their overall form remains strong.
Jarrett Stidham Takes Over At Quarterback
Jarrett Stidham, who will replace Nix, has not played in two full seasons, making it a considerable challenge for the twenty-eight-year-old to step into an AFC Conference final under these circumstances. This scenario presents difficulties for sportsbooks, as the uncertainty surrounding the Broncos’ quarterback situation complicates handicapping efforts. The spread currently favors the Patriots by between 5.5 and 6.0 points, with the total set between 40.5 and 41.
While the Patriots are widely expected to win the AFC Conference, the current spread (+5.5) offers limited value for the Broncos, and predicting the outcome is particularly challenging with Stidham assuming the starting quarterback role.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks (-2.5)
Sunday, January 25 – 3:00 PM ET
The Seattle Seahawks cruised to a comfortable victory over an injury-plagued San Francisco 49ers team in the Divisional Round, despite facing their own challenges, particularly quarterback Sam Darnold’s oblique injury, which was revealed days earlier. Even so, Darnold managed a solid performance with 124 passing yards and was able to extend plays, a key factor in the team’s dominant 42-6 win, though it was his lowest output of the season.
Looking ahead, Sunday’s weather forecast in Seattle is cold and wet, but slightly less dreary than what is typical for this time of year. The Los Angeles Rams’ star quarterback, Matthew Stafford, is dealing with a hand injury, although it appeared not to affect him during a tough game in Chicago.
The Seahawks and Rams have faced each other twice this season: Seattle claimed an overtime victory at home, 38-37, while the Rams edged out a 21-19 win on their home turf the previous month. This suggests that there is little separating these two NFC West rivals.
Tight Margin Between Rivals
Seattle enjoys a modest advantage due to home field and extra rest, which is reflected in the live odds for this game, showing the Seahawks favoured by 2.5 points and a total of 47.5 points for the game. This upcoming NFC matchup is the third meeting between the teams this season and will help determine the Super Bowl favorites, providing a more predictable outcome to handicap compared to the AFC Conference.
Given this context, it is surprising to see the spread set just shy of a field goal, especially considering Darnold’s injury. However, sportsbooks may be factoring in potential fatigue, as the Seahawks benefited from a week off thanks to their No. 1 seed. If the point spread for the Rams reaches +3, it could present an appealing option for NFL bettors.
PLACE YOUR NFL CHAMPIONSHIP BETS TODAY
One of the most notable wagering options for the upcoming Championship games is the opportunity to select the Los Angeles Rams with a favorable point spread that approaches a key number.
Find the Best NFL Odds for Championship Weekend
For those seeking optimal NFL Divisional Week odds on teams or individual players, Bovada and Heritage currently offer some of the most competitive pricing. It is advisable to compare the offerings from several sportsbooks, as market conditions can change.
To ensure you secure the best value before kick-off, regularly consult our live NFL odds for real-time NFL updates.
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
