NFL Championship Round Set as Seahawks Dominate, Broncos Advance Despite Injury Blow
The NFL's championship games are taking shape after a dramatic weekend of divisional playoff action that saw the Seattle Seahawks deliver a commanding performance while the Denver Broncos secured a costly victory that may define their title aspirations.
Seahawks Cruise Past 49ers in Dominant Display
The top-seeded Seattle Seahawks demonstrated their championship credentials with a comprehensive 41-6 victory over the visiting San Francisco 49ers, setting up a home championship game next weekend.
Kenneth Walker III was the star of the show, rushing for 116 yards and three touchdowns in a performance that showcased the Seahawks' balanced attack. The tone was set early when Rashid Shaheed returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, immediately putting the 49ers on the back foot.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, who had been questionable with a left oblique injury sustained during practice, showed no signs of discomfort as he completed 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown to Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
The 49ers struggled throughout, committing three turnovers and failing to convert on downs three times. Christian McCaffrey, playing through a left shoulder injury, was limited to just 35 yards rushing on 11 carries, while quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 140 yards with one interception and lost a fumble.
Seattle built a commanding 17-0 first-quarter lead and never looked back, with Walker adding touchdown runs of seven, 15, and six yards to cap off the dominant performance.
Broncos Reach Championship Game Despite Quarterback Injury
The Denver Broncos secured their first AFC Championship Game appearance since 2015 with a thrilling 33-30 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills, but the win came at a significant cost.
Second-year quarterback Bo Nix broke a bone in his right ankle late in overtime and will miss the remainder of the season, leaving backup Jarrett Stidham to start in next Sunday's championship game.
It was a cruel end to an outstanding playoff debut for Nix, who completed 26 of 46 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns, including a crucial 26-yard scoring strike to Marvin Mims with 55 seconds left in regulation.
Denver's defense proved decisive, forcing five turnovers including four from Bills MVP quarterback Josh Allen. The most crucial came in overtime when Ja'Quan McMillian intercepted Allen with a leaping grab, setting up Wil Lutz's game-winning 23-yard field goal.
Allen finished 25-of-39 for 283 yards and three touchdowns but his four turnovers, tying a career high, proved costly. The defeat extends his overtime record to 0-7, including 0-3 in playoff overtime games.
Championship Weekend Ahead
The Seahawks will host the winner of Sunday's game between the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears for the NFC Championship, while Denver awaits the victor of the New England Patriots versus Houston Texans matchup for the AFC title.
Both games promise to test the resilience of teams that have shown different paths to success, with Seattle's offensive firepower contrasting sharply with Denver's defensive prowess and now uncertain quarterback situation.