January 25 was a day full of football, with the Patriots playing the Broncos in the AFC championship game in Denver at 3:30, and the Seahawks playing the Rams at 6:30 PM in Seattle, as all four teams fought to earn a spot in Super Bowl LX. This was one of the most anticipated weekends in the NFL, besides the Super Bowl. These teams had been working hard all season to have a good enough record to earn a spot in the playoffs, and since the playoffs began, neither team had lost a game, earning them a spot in their conference championship.
Many fans had very strong opinions about the AFC matchup between the Patriots and the Broncos, especially since Bo Nix was out with an injured ankle. Maggie Grant (12) was talking about her thoughts on the game and told us, “I like the Patriots more because of their strong history of winning during very important matchups.” Like Maggie, most Patriots fans are very loyal to the team because of the dynasty that was created many years before by Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. The faith of the Patriots fans never wavered throughout the entire game as their team brought home a 10-7 win over the Broncos in Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado.
The NFC Championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams was just as intense. Both teams earned their spot in the playoffs by working as whole unit to win every game leading up to championship Sunday. These matchups both highlighted the physical toughness and mental determination required to compete at such a high level. With the Super Bowl being only one game away, every play and every second on the clock mattered, and it came down to the wire for both winning teams. The winning teams demonstrated toughness and grit throughout the entire 4 quarters of the game.
The Seahawks were able to capture a 31-27 win over the Rams at home, in the NFC Championship Game. Arabella Harding (12) showed support towards her team by saying, “I think the Seahawks definitely had an advantage as they were playing at their home field, and their fans always show up and show out for gameday.” The stadium was rocking during the game, and the fans did not disappoint, a factor which ended up working out in the Seahawks’ favor. Lumen Field has proven once again that it may be one of the fiercest environments faced by away teams.
The AFC and NFC championship games were a must watch for all football fans. Each team, regardless of winning or losing, fought all season through countless injuries to reach the dream of being in the Super Bowl. These games brought millions of football fans together around the country, and most importantly it determined our Super Bowl LX matchup of the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots.
