The last time the Seattle Seahawks faced the Los Angeles Rams, the Seahawks narrowly won the Week 16 game 38-37 in overtime. The two teams will meet again this Sunday, this time for the NFC Championship title, and with a predicted point spread of 2.5, the odds are on Seattle to win again by the slimmest of margins. If we’ve learned anything from this wildly unpredictable season, it’s that things can change on a dime; the Rams did beat the Seahawks in Week 11, so they’ve proven that they’ve got what it takes, it’s all a matter of who’s got the strongest momentum heading into this title game.
The Rams vs. Seahawks NFC Championship game will kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET this Sunday on Fox. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch this game, plus where to tune in to the AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos too.
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How to watch the Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks NFC Championship game:
Date: Sunday, Jan. 25
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
TV channel: FOX
Streaming: DirecTV, FOX One, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo + more
Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks game time:
The Rams vs. Seahawks game kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT this Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks game channel:
The NFC Championship game between the Rams and the Seahawks will air on FOX.
How to watch the Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks game without cable:
You can stream FOX on platforms like DirecTV and Fubo, and the game will also be available on FOX’s streaming platform FOX One. You can also tune in on NFL+ for mobile viewing.
NFL Conference Championship schedule:
All times Eastern.
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Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026
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AFC Championship: New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos, 3:00 p.m.(CBS)
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NFC Championship: Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks, 6:30 p.m. (FOX)
How to watch NFL games in 2026:
Many NFL games are broadcast on local channels, so if you’re looking to catch an in-market game, it may be as simple as turning on your TV (or setting up a digital TV antenna) or finding a live TV streaming service that carries the correct RSN (Regional Sports Network). If you want to watch out-of-market games, a $7 monthly subscription to NFL+ will let you watch every out-of-market-game local and primetime game in the season on your phone — but only a select few regular season games on your TV. You could also spring for the uber-expensive NFL Sunday Ticket package to get every out-of-market Sunday game of the season.
When it comes to nationally broadcast games, NFL games typically air across ESPN, NBC, CBS, Fox, ABC and NFL Network. Thursday Night Football games stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, select football games will stream exclusively on Peacock, games on CBS will stream live on Paramount+, and Monday Night Football games will air on ESPN or ABC and stream on the newly revamped ESPN+ this season. That’s six channels and four streaming platforms to keep up with this season — and that’s not counting your local RSN’s for in-market games and an NFL+ or NFL Sunday Ticket subscription for out-of-market games. And we can’t forget about Fox One, Fox’s first streaming service, a place where you can also stream games airing on FOX (if you don’t already have access to it).
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Confused? You’re not alone. Here’s a breakdown of the platforms we recommend checking out ahead of the 2025 NFL season, so that come game time, tuning into your favorite team’s games will be as easy as simply turning on the TV.
- Free trial available
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage
- Free ESPN unlimited
- Entirely sports-focused
- Doesn’t include NBC
- You probably already have access to Prime Video
- Only Thursday Night Football games
- Can only watch MOST live games on your phone
- All ESPN content in one place
- Content from NFL Network and NFL RedZone
- Bundle option with NFL+
- Only ESPN games available with the base service
To recap, here are all the ways you can watch NFL games in 2026.
Australian Open 2026: How to watch the Jessica Pegula vs. Madison Keys match tonight
Americans Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys will face off in the Fourth Round of the Australian Open tonight. Pegula, the No. 6 seed, last faced Keys (No. 9 seed) at the 2025 WTA Adelaide International, where Keys won. Keys is the standing defending champ of the Australian Open.
The pair will face off in Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, with an estimated start time of 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. Tournament coverage will air across ESPN and ESPN2. The entire tournament will stream on ESPN+ for ESPN Unlimited subscribers. Here’s what you need to know about watching the 2026 Australian Open.
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How to watch Jessica Pegula vs. Madison Keys tonight:
Date: Sunday, Jan. 25
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia
TV channel: ESPN2
Streaming: ESPN+
Jessica Pegula vs. Madison Keys match start time:
In the U.S., the fourth-round match between Pegula and Keys is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Jessica Pegula vs. Madison Keys match channel:
The Pegula vs. Keys match will have coverage on ESPN2 starting at 8, around 30 minutes after the match is set to start. ESPN Unlimited subscribers will be able to stream the full match live on ESPN+.
Australian Open channel:
The Australian Open will air on ESPN, with the entire tournament streaming on ESPN+ for Unlimited subscribers. Select tournament coverage will also air on ESPN2 before moving to ESPN for the semifinals and beyond.
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How to watch the 2026 Australian Open:
Where to watch the 2026 Australian Open without cable:
If you want to catch every match of the Australian Open and don’t currently subscribe to ESPN+, cable or a live TV streaming service, in Australia, a majority of the action will be streaming free with ads on 9Now.
Don’t live in the land down under? You can still stream like you do with the help of a VPN. A VPN (virtual private network) helps protect your data, can mask your IP address and is perhaps most popular for being especially useful in the age of streaming. Whether you’re looking to watch Friends on Netflix (which left the U.S. version of the streamer back in 2019) or tune in to tennis coverage without a cable package, a VPN can help you out. Looking to try a VPN for the first time? This guide breaks down the best VPN options for every kind of user.
ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, in case you’re nervous about trying a VPN.
Australian Open 2026 schedule:
All times Eastern
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Saturday, Jan. 17
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(Day 1) Men’s and Women’s 1st Round: 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 18
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(Day 1) Men’s and Women’s 1st Round: 3:00 a.m.
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(Day 2) Men’s and Women’s 1st Round: 7:00 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 19
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(Day 2) Men’s and Women’s 1st Round: 3:00 a.m.
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(Day 3) Men’s and Women’s 1st Round: 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 20
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(Day 3) Men’s and Women’s 1st Round: 3:00 a.m.
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(Day 4) Men’s and Women’s 2nd Round: 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 21
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(Day 4) Men’s and Women’s 2nd Round: 3:00 a.m.
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(Day 5) Men’s and Women’s 2nd Round: 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 22
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(Day 5) Men’s and Women’s 2nd Round: 3:00 a.m.
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(Day 6) Men’s and Women’s 3rd Round: 7:00 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 23
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(Day 6) Men’s and Women’s 3rd Round: 3:00 a.m.
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(Day 7) Men’s and Women’s 3rd Round: 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 24
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(Day 7) Men’s and Women’s 3rd Round: 3:00 a.m.
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(Day 8) Men’s and Women’s 4th Round: 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 25
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(Day 8) Men’s and Women’s 4th Round: 3:00 a.m.
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(Day 9) Men’s and Women’s 4th Round: 7:00 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 26
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(Day 9) Men’s and Women’s 4th Round: 3:00 a.m.
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(Day 10) Men’s and Women’s Quarterfinals: 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 27
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(Day 10) Men’s and Women’s Quarterfinals: 3:00 a.m.
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(Day 11) Men’s and Women’s Quarterfinals: 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 28
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(Day 11) Men’s and Women’s Quarterfinals: 3:00 a.m.
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(Day 12) Women’s Semifinals: 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 29
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(Day 13) Men’s Semifinal: 8:00 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 30
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(Day 13) Men’s Semifinal: 3:30 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 31
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(Day 14) Women’s Final: 3:30 a.m.
Sunday, Feb. 1
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(Day 15) Men’s Final: 3:30 a.m.
Who is playing in the 2026 Australian Open?
The top 10 seeded players for the singles draws are listed below.
Men’s singles seeds
1. Carlos Alcaraz
2. Jannik Sinner
3. Alexander Zverev
4. Novak Djokovic
5. Felix Auger-Aliassime
Women’s singles seeds
1. Aryna Sabalenka
2. Iga Swiatek
3. Amanda Anisimova
4. Coco Gauff
5. Elena Rybakina
Australian Open prize money:
For 2026, the men’s and women’s singles winners each get $4,150,000, with the runner-up receiving $2,150,000 and semi-finalists receiving $1,250,000.
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More ways to watch the 2026 Australian Open:
Steve Kerr, Breanna Stewart, Tyrese Haliburton, NBPA, Minnesota sports teams speak out after ICE fatal shooting of nurse Alex Pretti
The NBA acted swiftly Saturday, canceling a game between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Veterans Affairs nurse Alex Pretti by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
Before the rescheduled game on Sunday, the Timberwolves held a moment of silence for Pretti.
A few athletes — along with some Minnesota-based sports teams — came out Sunday with statements addressing Pretti’s death.
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Of that group, Unrivaled co-founder and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton and current Knicks (former Timberwolves) star Karl-Anthony Towns issued the most declarative statements on the topic.
Prior to Sunday’s Unrivaled game, Stewart was photographed holding an “Abolish ICE” sign.
Haliburton tweeted that Pretti was murdered.
Towns, who played nine seasons in Minnesota, called for “accountability, transparency and protections for all people.”
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch issued a statement Sunday ahead of the team’s rescheduled game with the Warriors. Finch said the organization was “heartbroken for what we are having to witness and endure and watch.”
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who has spoken up often about gun violence in the United States, among other issues, said, “In times like these, you have to lean on values and who you are and who you want to be — either as an individual or as a country.”
The National Basketball Players Association — the players’ union — issued a statement Sunday defending “the right to freedom of speech” and the desire to “stand in solidarity with the people in Minnesota.”
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The full statement read:
“Following the news of yet another fatal shooting in Minneapolis, a city that has been on the forefront of the fight against injustices, NBA players can no longer remain silent.
“Now more than ever, we must defend the right to freedom of speech and stand in solidarity with the people in Minnesota protesting and risking their lives to demand justice.
“The fraternity of NBA players, like the United States itself, is a community enriched by its global citizens, and we refuse to let the flames of division threaten the civil liberties that are meant to protect us all.
“The NBPA and its members extend our deepest condolences to the families of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, just as our thoughts remain focused on the safety and well-being of all members of our community.”
They weren’t the only group to issue a statement. On Sunday, CEOs from various companies in Minnesota — including the Minnesota Vikings, Timberwolves, Minnesota Lynx, Minnesota United FC and the Minnesota Wild — issued a lengthy statement calling for “an immediate deescalation of tensions.”
The full statement read:
“The business community in Minnesota prides itself in providing leadership and solving problems to ensure a strong and vibrant state. The recent challenges facing our state have created widespread disruption and tragic loss of life. For the past several weeks, representatives of Minnesota’s business community have been working every day behind the scenes with federal, state and local officials to advance real solutions. These efforts have included close communication with the Governor, the White House the Vice President and local mayors. There are ways for us to come together to foster progress.
“With yesterday’s tragic news, we are calling for an immediate deescalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions.
“We have been working for generations to build a strong and vibrant state here in Minnesota and will do so in the months and years ahead with equal and even greater commitment. In this difficult moment for our community, we call for peace and focused cooperation among local, state and federal leaders to achieve a swift and durable solution that enables families, businesses, our employees, and communities across Minnesota to resume our work to build a bright and prosperous future.”
The Minnesota Twins were not included in the statement, though two of the team’s players, pitchers Bailey Ober and Simeon Woods Richardson, sent out posts showing protests that occurred across the state over the weekend.
Fans at a PWHL game between the Minnesota Frost and Boston Fleet made their voices heard, chanting “ICE out now!”
Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider sent out an image of the Boston Massacre, in which British soldiers shot into a crowd of Americans, wounding many and killing five.
The event played a major role in changing U.S. sentiment against King George III.
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Hours before taking the field as a captain Sunday, Denver Broncos offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz put up a post on Instagram about Saturday’s shooting.
On Saturday, NBA analyst Charles Barkley called for those in power to step up and “be adults.” He added, “two people have died for no reason.”
In addition to Pretti, ICE agents also fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good in January. The Timberwolves held a moment of silence for Good shortly after her death.
ICE agents were originally dispatched to Minneapolis and St. Paul in early December in an operation organized by President Donald Trump’s administration. The operation — which is aimed at apprehending and deporting undocumented immigrants — has spread across the entire state of Minnesota. Local residents have rallied to protest the operation, with thousands taking to the streets to let their voices be heard over the weekend.
AFC championship: The 10 best photos from the Patriots’ snowy win over the Broncos to reach the Super Bowl
The snow started falling hard on Sunday afternoon, and it took a lot of effort from crew members to keep lines on the field visible. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
(Justin Edmonds via Getty Images)
Drake Maye and the New England Patriots had to survive the elements to reach Super Bowl LX on Sunday.
The Patriots beat the Denver Broncos 10-7 in the AFC championship game to reach their first Super Bowl since the Tom Brady era ended. While things were clear in the first half at Empower Field at Mile High, a snow storm quickly blew in and completely changed the game. By the end of the third quarter, it was impossible to see markings on the field and the Patriots were blending into the elements with their white jerseys. Just look at how fast things changed:
While it can’t have been fun surviving the elements in person, it made for an incredible viewing experience for fans watching indoors at home.
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Here’s a look at the 10 best photos from the snowy AFC championship game on Sunday in Colorado.
10 best photos from the AFC championship game
While it was certainly cold, the skies were clear early on during the AFC championship game on Sunday. (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / Reuters)
There was no snow falling when Courtland Sutton scored the only touchdown of the game for the Broncos in the first quarter. (AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
(AAron Ontiveroz via Getty Images)
Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham scrambles as snow starts to take over the field in the second half on Sunday. (AP/Ashley Landis)
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Lil’jordan Humphrey (17), Courtland Sutton (14) and Kris Abrams-Draine (31) sit on the bench as snow falls at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday. (AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
(AAron Ontiveroz via Getty Images)
New England Patriots punter Bryce Baringer punts it away as snow falls during the second the half of the AFC championship game. (AP/Garrett W. Ellwood)
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Eventually, crew members started using snow blowers to try and keep field lines visible durign the second half. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
(Justin Edmonds via Getty Images)
There were four combined missed field goals on Sunday. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
(Justin Edmonds via Getty Images)
Broncos fans looked very cold trying to power through the snow on Sunday afternoon. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
(Justin Edmonds via Getty Images)
New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez came up with an interception late in the fourth quarter to seal the win. (AP/Bart Young)
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
With the snow falling hard, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel celebrated his team’s win. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
(Justin Edmonds via Getty Images)
Social media reacts as Patriots win AFC title, returning to Super Bowl for first time since the end of Brady-Belichick era
In his first season as head coach of the New England Patriots, head coach Mike Vrabel has the franchise back in the Super Bowl, looking to win its seventh Vince Lombardi trophy. Like anything the Patriots do, there are plenty of opinions on their AFC title victory, ranging from those within the game and watching from the outside.
New England defeated the Denver Broncos in a close defensive game affected by bad weather, 10-7, on Sunday. It wasn’t a masterclass by any means, but the Patriots got the win on the road in Denver despite quarterback Drake Maye passing for just 86 yards and being sacked five times.
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Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher summed it up nicely with his reaction on the CBS broadcast following the game.
Others, like former NFL QB Robert Griffin III, showed love with statistics and praise for Maye.
Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons congratulated his former head coach Mike Vrabel. Simmons, an All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, was drafted with the 19th overall pick in Vrabel’s second year as Tennessee’s head coach.
Of course, Dave Portnoy had to join in on the fun in congratulating his Patriots on advancing to Super Bowl LX.
Clay Travis congratulated head coach Mike Vrabel and the Pats by also taking shots at the Tennessee Titans in his X post.
However, with praise usually comes criticism, which the Patriots get no matter what they do. If you’re not a fan of New England, then you’re probably at the other end of the reactions, where you’d rather see anyone make the Super Bowl but the Pats.
Regardless of how anyone feels, the Patriots are heading to Super Bowl LX with a chance to surpass the Steelers for the most Lombardi trophies with seven.
Patriots WR Stefon Diggs emotional after reaching first career Super Bowl, years after watching Chiefs from opposite sideline
Stefon Diggs stood on the field completely alone five years ago, watching the Kansas City Chiefs celebrate their AFC championship win over his Buffalo Bills.
Naturally, when Diggs finally broke through to earn his first trip to a Super Bowl on Sunday afternoon with the New England Patriots, he was incredibly emotional.
“It made it all worth it, man. All the hard work. We’ve got one more,” Diggs said, fighting back tears. “I just want to rejoice and take this moment in, and just be thankful for God. It’s hard, man.”
Diggs and the Patriots beat the Denver Broncos 10-7 in a snowy battle on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High to secure a trip to Super Bowl LX. It marks the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance since the Tom Brady era. Diggs had five catches for 17 yards in the win.
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Diggs is wrapping up his 11th season in the league. He signed a three-year, $63.5 million deal with the Patriots this past offseason despite his last stop — a one-season stint with the Houston Texans — ending prematurely. Diggs tore his ACL in Week 8 of last season.
Diggs has already proven himself as one of the better wide receivers in NFL history. He has seven seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards, and he set several team and NFL records during his time with the Bills. He’s one of just four players in league history to rack up four straight seasons with at least 100 receptions. He had 1,013 yards and four touchdowns this season.
“They was calling me washed, said I ain’t have it no more. I just wanted to prove it to myself, I am who I say I am. … This team took a chance on me. I just wanted to make them proud,” Diggs said.
But until Sunday, the Super Bowl eluded him. Sunday was Diggs’ 17th playoff game of his career, and his third time in a conference title game. During the 2020 season, his last time in a conference championship game, Diggs remained on the field at Arrowhead Stadium to just watch the festivities after his team was eliminated.
Now, at long last, with Drake Maye leading the offense, Diggs will finally have the opportunity to claim a ring.
NBA postpones Nuggets-Grizzlies, Mavericks-Bucks due to winter storm
The NBA has postponed Sunday’s Denver Nuggets at Memphis Grizzlies game due to weather conditions, as large swaths of the United States face inclement winter weather. The high in Memphis on Sunday was 18 degrees Fahrenheit.
This weekend’s winter storm has shifted the schedules of NBA games and college sports across the country.
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The NBA also postponed the Mavericks at Bucks game on Sunday. The Mavericks were stuck on the tarmac in Dallas for hours because of icy conditions before the game was postponed. As a result, the Bucks ended up donating all of the prepared food for the game to local shelters.
NBA games on Monday have also undergone scheduling changes. Indiana Pacers at Atlanta Hawks game tip off at 1:30 p.m. ET. The Philadelphia 76ers at Charlotte Hornets game will start at 3 p.m. ET.
The Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets game in Charlotte was played on Saturday at noon ET, moved up three hours from its scheduled 3 p.m. start.
In women’s college basketball, No. 14 Baylor’s home contest against Houston will be played on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET instead of Sunday.
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North Carolina Central postponed two men’s and two women’s basketball games on its schedule, which featured games from Thursday to Monday.
The NFL has not made scheduling changes for Sunday’s conference championship games, as the storm will primarily affect regions east of the Rocky Mountains, away from both games. For the AFC championship in Denver, the high will be 23 degrees on Sunday with chances of snow flurries, according to AccuWeather. For the NFC championship in Seattle, the high will be 44 degrees, with no rain or snow expected.
Inside Sean Payton’s decision that haunted the Broncos as snow engulfed loss to Patriots: ‘There’s always regrets’
DENVER — Sean Payton didn’t take the points in the first half of the AFC championship game, and it lingered to the end of the Denver Broncos’ 10-7 loss to the New England Patriots.
The Broncos were ahead 7-0 in the second quarter when Jarrett Stidham ran and was a yard short of the first down. Payton had a decision to go for it on fourth-and-1 or take a short field goal. He went for it. The Broncos rolled out Stidham on a pass, he was pressured and the pass fell incomplete.
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The Broncos didn’t score again. The Patriots won as snowy weather wrecked both offenses in the second half. The field goal would have helped.
Payton said he liked the way his defense was playing and wanted to try to go up 14-0.
“I felt like we had momentum, to go up 14,” Payton said after the game. “I felt we had a good call.
“I think the feeling was, let’s be aggressive.”
Payton said the Broncos had a run called but switched to a pass after seeing the Patriots play six men on the line. He said in hindsight, the run was “a better decision.”
Payton was asked if he regretted passing on the field goal.
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“There’s always regrets,” Payton said. “It’s also a call you make based on the team you’re playing and what you’re watching on the other side of the ball. Yeah, there’s always going to be second thoughts.”
Broncos players didn’t second-guess the call. They regretted only that they didn’t get the first down.
“That’s not for me to judge or decide,” right tackle Mike McGlinchey said of going for it. “Sean has done an unbelievable job all year with us. When we get the call to go for it, you’ve got to execute.”
The play itself never really had a chance, with Stidham immediately feeling pressure and having to throw quickly. It would have been short even if his low pass was caught.
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“We were moving the ball well on that drive, and you get an opportunity, fourth-and-1 and convert and go up 14 if you can,” Stidham said. “Just didn’t work out on that one play, and that’s football.”
Payton was speaking generally about the way the game played out, with offense becoming nearly impossible on a snow-covered field, when he made a good argument for why the three points he passed on would have been extremely valuable.
“You don’t know that it’s going to be like this three-point game, but it became apparent with each possession that a field goal, that type of thing, was going to be really important,” Payton said.
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Turnover is big momentum shift
As the Broncos think back on what might have been, four things might stand out with the first being the decision to not take the field goal in the second quarter.
The game was obviously tougher with Stidham replacing Bo Nix, who was hurt late in the Broncos’ divisional round win over the Buffalo Bills. There’s nothing the Broncos could have done about that. Also, they couldn’t control the weather, which made the second half almost impossible for both offenses.
Lastly, the entire outcome might have been different if not for Stidham’s one big mistake. Late in the second quarter he was under heavy pressure, and instead of taking the sack he tried to push pass the ball forward to avoid losing yardage. That turned out to be a big mistake when the pass went backwards, making it a live ball. The Patriots recovered. New England’s only touchdown of the game came after that, on a 12-yard drive.
“Obviously, I can’t put our team in a bad position like that,” Stidham said. “I was trying to throw it away to TB [Tyler Badie], he was in the area, and the pressure, he just got up on me really fast and I was trying to get rid of it. I can’t put the ball in a position like that, that was completely on me.
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“I thought I’d thrown it forward, and obviously the replay or whatever said differently. I probably should have eaten the sack anyway.”
Stidham’s teammates lauded him for playing well given the circumstances. But that play, along with the fourth-down decision that came earlier, changed the game.
“That sequence of plays, obviously, was a big turning point in the game,” wide receiver Courtland Sutton said. “Momentum is a dangerous thing in this sport, and when you have it you want to be able to hold onto it as long as possible.
“They capitalized on that situation and got a little bit of momentum.”
Snow dictates second half of Patriots-Broncos
Despite passing on the field goal, Nix being out and Stidham’s big turnover, the Broncos still might have won in somewhat normal conditions. The snow and wind made it anything but normal.
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The Patriots took a 10-7 lead with a field goal on their first drive of the third quarter. By the end of the third quarter the field was covered in snow. The Broncos had 32 yards and one first down in the second half. When a bad punt gave them field position at New England’s 33-yard line, the offense got just 5 yards and Wil Lutz’s field-goal attempt was tipped at the line.
The Broncos’ defense played well enough to win, limiting Drake Maye to just 86 passing yards and sacking him five times. But trying to move the ball with a backup quarterback in a snowstorm was a miserable challenge.
“When it starts snowing it makes it impossible to throw the ball forward,” McGlinchey said. “It’s kind of a bummer about being down before [the snow] started.”
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The Broncos went 14-3 and got the AFC’s No. 1 seed, only to lose their quarterback to a shocking injury late in the win over the Buffalo Bills and then have weather turn the second half of the AFC championship game into an offensive nightmare.
“To think that all we fought through this year, all the games we had to win, knowing we’re definitely the better team but it just didn’t work out that way today,” Broncos defensive end Nik Bonitto said.
The Patriots who are headed to Super Bowl LX, would probably disagree that the Broncos are the better team, but Bonitto was convinced.
“Yeah. We know,” Bonitto said.
2026 NFL offseason preview: Los Angeles Rams can run it back with Matthew Stafford returning
The NFL offseason has begun, and Yahoo Sports is previewing the coming months for all 32 teams, from free agency through the draft and more.
AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Patriots | Jets
AFC North: Ravens | Bengals | Browns | Steelers
AFC South: Texans | Colts | Jaguars | Titans
AFC West: Broncos | Chiefs | Raiders | Chargers
NFC East: Cowboys | Giants | Eagles | Commanders
NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings
NFC South: Falcons | Panthers | Saints | Buccaneers
NFC West: Cardinals | Rams | 49ers | Seahawks
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2025 season record: 12-5 (o 9.5 wins), second in NFC West, lost to Seahawks in NFC championship, second in DVOA
Overview
Throughout the offseason, there were concerns about the health and longevity of Matthew Stafford. There were trade discussions. There was an Ammortal Chamber. Would Stafford’s back hold up? Well, it might have been the best season of Stafford’s career. The quarterback won his first MVP and the Rams finished the season second in DVOA. And during his MVP acceptance speech, Stafford, 37, announced he’s returning next season, which means the team can likely bring back a Super Bowl-caliber roster for 2026.
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So many things went well for the Rams during the regular season. They found a running game that led the league in success rate. A shift to 13 personnel midway through the season allowed the Rams to control the game through the air and on the ground with bigger bodies on the field. Sean McVay has been excellent at figuring out which levers to pull to evolve this offense, and the tight end-heavy move was a success.
[Get more Rams news: Los Angeles team feed]
Meanwhile, the defense was one of the best coordinated units in the league under Chris Shula.
The Rams spent most of the season looking like the best and most complete team in the NFL, but came up just short of reaching the Super Bowl with a close loss to the Seahawks in the NFC title game. Will the major players carry over into 2026 and get them back to title contention?
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Cap/cuts outlook
The Rams have more than $40.7 million in projected salary-cap space, the eighth-highest among all NFL teams, according to OvertheCap. There’s a lot of room to play with here. With Stafford returning, the attention may shift to Davante Adams, whose retirement would free up $14 million in space. The most likely cap casualty is Darious Williams, which would create $7.5 million in cap space.
Key pending free agents
S Kam Curl
OL Rob Havenstein
TE Tyler Higbee
WR Tutu Atwell
Curl was a bargain signing in free agency two years ago when the safety market tanked, and he’s been an integral part of the back end of the Rams’ defense. Curl led all defensive backs in tackles and was fourth among safeties in defeats (a run stopped at or behind the line of scrimmage), per FTN. Havenstein has been a big piece of the Rams’ offensive line, but in his absence, Warren McClendon Jr. has played excellent at right tackle (12th in pass block win rate and second in run block win rate) and could be a cheaper path forward at the position.
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Positional needs
Cornerback
Wide receiver
Linebacker
Outside corner was the one place where the Rams’ defense could get picked on this season. On throws to outside receivers, the Rams ranked fourth in EPA per play, but were 28th in yards allowed per attempt. Some splash plays on the outside covered up some overall weaknesses, but that’s a tough way to live for an extended period of time. The wide receiver need depends on Davante Adams. If he returns, the Rams could still upgrade at the third receiver spot when the offense is in 11 personnel — a more consistent deep threat could be on the table. If Adams retires — he joked he’ll retire when Stafford retires earlier in the season — then a bigger need for a No. 2 receiver behind Puka Nacua becomes immediate. Getting a linebacker with a little more coverage range could be helpful. Omar Speights was 16th at the position in yards allowed per coverage snap, while Nate Landman was 52nd.
2026 NFL Draft picks
1st round, pick No. 13 (ATL)
1st round, pick No. 29
2nd round, pick No. 61
3rd round, pick No. 93
5th round
6th round (CLE)
6th round
7th round (BAL)
7th round (projected compensatory)
7th round (projected compensatory)
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What could move the fantasy needle in 2026?
Run it back — with some twists
It’s the least satisfying answer in an exercise like this but the best path forward for the Rams in 2026 is to run as much of that offense back as possible while making a few minor tweaks along the way.
Part of the reason it’s so unsatisfying is due to the harsh truth in the NFL — that sustainability is never as faithful a mistress as it seems. For Matthew Stafford and the Rams, specifically, that’s going to haunt them this offseason. Not just because they came so close and yet fell short after an excellent season, but because two of their key players are well into their careers, past their typical prime years.
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Some natural regression always comes for these teams at the top but the best way to stave off regression is to continue to fortify the unit in the offseason. The Rams’ defense, particularly in the secondary, let them down big-time at the end of the season. However, they can’t afford to lock into one side of the ball with their offseason checklist.
Part of what makes the Rams such a uniquely good fantasy offense is how concentrated their passing-game volume is. That would be threatened by some of the additions I’m tossing out. However, the Rams are much more concerned with ensuring their offense is ready to push for another top-five finish in 2026 while holding off any regression. That could mean some new faces are introduced to this unit in the offseason because standing pat on everything from 2025 rolling right over would be a misstep. — Matt Harmon
Good draft fit
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
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If McCoy’s injury profile were clean, he’d probably be the first cornerback taken. But he didn’t play a snap this past season after tearing his ACL during offseason training last year. That might push him to the bottom of either of the Rams’ picks in the mid- or late first round. McCoy has good size, and if he retains his pre-injury movement, he could be a difference-maker on the outside.
Betting nugget
The Rams were one of the NFL’s best teams against the spread this regular season at 12-5, the franchise’s best mark against the number since 1999 when the Rams went 13-3 ATS. — Ben Fawkes
NFC championship: Seahawks CB Riq Woolen called for brutal taunting penalty that set up a critical Rams TD
The Seattle Seahawks missed what would have been a huge interception late in the third quarter of the NFC championship game Sunday night at Lumen Field. But the stop still set up a long fourth down that should have given them the ball back with an 11-point lead against the Los Angeles Rams.
At least, that’s what it looked like until Riq Woolen got hit with an awfully-timed taunting penalty.
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Woolen was seen jeering at the Rams’ sideline after the play, celebrating the pass breakup that occurred moments before. While it’s unclear what he actually said, it was enough for officials to hit him with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for taunting.
And, as it was a fourth-and-12, that gave the Rams a new set of downs.
Matthew Stafford took full advantage. He immediately found Puka Nacua for a 34-yard touchdown pass up the left side of the field on the next play — against Woolen.
Just like that, Woolen’s taunting penalty ended up cutting the game back to just four points.
While the taunting penalty itself can be debated, especially since it’s not known what Woolen said on the field in the moment, Woolen shouldn’t have put himself in a situation to even be penalized — especially considering a spot in the Super Bowl was on the line.
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Some of Woolen’s teammates felt exactly that way on the sideline themselves.
Thankfully for Woolen, it didn’t cost the Seahawks the game. Seattle carried a four-point lead into the final period and then held on to grab the 31-27 win. That sent the Seahawks into their first Super Bowl since the 2014 season. They’ll take on the New England Patriots in the game next month in Santa Clara, California.