NFL Championship Previews: Broncos vs. Patriots, Rams vs. Seahawks & Coaching Carousel

AFC Championship: Broncos vs. Patriots

• 🏈 The Broncos will start their backup quarterback, Jared Stidham, after starter Bo Nix was injured.
• 🧠 Coach Sean Payton is expected to devise a game plan that allows Stidham, an aggressive downfield passer, to throw deep.
• ⚠️ A resurgent Patriots defense could exploit a hesitant Broncos offense.

NFC Championship: Rams vs. Seahawks

• 🎯 Matthew Stafford has a strong track record against the Seahawks defense, particularly with aggressive throws into tight windows over the middle.
• 🛡️ The Seahawks' "dark side" defense, featuring strong players like Ernest Jones, Deon Witherspoon, and Emani, will aim to shut down these middle-of-the-field passes.
• 🔊 The loudness of the Seahawks' home turf and the "12th man" will be a factor.

Bills Coaching Search

• ❌ Philip Rivers, currently coaching high school football, is unlikely to be hired as the Bills' head coach due to his lack of NFL/college coaching experience.
• ✅ Joe Brady, the Bills' offensive coordinator, is considered a strong candidate for promotion, having maximized the offense's ground game.
• ❓ Brian Daboll, former Giants head coach and former Bills offensive coordinator, is also mentioned, but Brady might be favored for offensive continuity.

Mike Tomlin's Future

• 🚶 Mike Tomlin appears serious about sitting out a year to re-evaluate, similar to Sean Payton's path.
• 💰 Acquiring Tomlin would likely require significant trade capital, such as a first-round pick, due to his contract with the Steelers.
• 🗓️ Tomlin is expected to re-enter the coaching pool around 2027.