NFC championship
Rams at Seahawks (-2½)
Exiled Minnesota quarterback Sam Darnold led Seattle past the 49ers last week and is now just one victory away from his first-ever Super Bowl. If he’s able to lead the Seahawks to Santa Clara, the Vikings will pass the Buffalo Bills and retake the lead in the NFL’s Franchise Regret standings.
Pick: Rams by 3
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) was brought down to earth by the Lions’ defense, and his own demons, last Sunday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)
AFC championship
Patriots at Broncos (+4½)
The pressure is intense on Denver backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham as he replaces injured starter Bo NIx. If he can lead the Broncos to victory Sunday, not only will he make a trip to Super Bowl LX, but he’ll also earn a berth alongside Vladimir Putin on Donald Trump’s Gaza Board of Peace.
Pick: Patriots by 11
DENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 21: Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Denver Broncos warms up prior to a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Empower Field At Mile High on December 21, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Record
Last week
3-1 straight up
2-2 vs. spread
Season
170-111-1 straight up (.605!
135-147 vs. spread (.469)
All-time (2003-26)
3989-2212-15 straight up (.643)
3046-3026-145 vs spread (.502)
You can hear Kevin Cusick on Thursdays on Bob Sansevere’s “BS Show” podcast on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on X– @theloopnow. He can be reached at kcusick@pioneerpress.com.
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