NFL Conference Championship Odds
The 2026 NFL Conference Championship games will determine which two teams advance to Super Bowl LXI. The AFC and NFC Championship games are scheduled for Sunday, January…
Four teams will reach the Conference Championship Round after progressing through the NFL playoffs. Each matchup will determine a conference champion, with the two winners securing the opportunity to compete for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
The championship games also feature several important betting markets, including point spreads, moneylines, game totals, player props and parlays. These markets can be evaluated using regular-season performance, playoff results, injuries, team efficiency and the specific characteristics of each matchup.
The participating teams will be determined during the January 2027 playoffs. Until those matchups are confirmed, the championship schedule, qualification rules, historical results and relevant futures markets provide the foundation for evaluating the upcoming games. Current NFL odds offer additional information about available betting markets throughout the season.

NFL Conference Championship Schedule 2026
The AFC and NFC Championship games will take place on Sunday, January 31, 2027. Both games will follow the Divisional Round, which is scheduled for January 23–24.
| Game | Date | Kickoff (ET) | Broadcast | Matchup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFC Championship | Sunday, January 31, 2027 | 3:00 p.m. | FOX | Determined after the Divisional Round |
| AFC Championship | Sunday, January 31, 2027 | 6:30 p.m. | CBS | Determined after the Divisional Round |
The scheduled kickoff times are Eastern Time. The host stadium for each game will depend on the teams that qualify and their playoff seeding. The higher remaining seed in each conference hosts its respective championship game.
The winners advance to Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027. The championship game will be played at SoFi Stadium, with ESPN and ABC carrying the national broadcast.
2026 NFL Season Playoff Dates
| Playoff Round | Dates | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Card Round | January 16–18, 2027 | Six |
| Divisional Round | January 23–24, 2027 | Four |
| Conference Championship Round | January 31, 2027 | Two |
| Super Bowl LXI | February 14, 2027 | One |
The NFL postseason begins with 14 teams, consisting of seven representatives from each conference. The highest-seeded team in the AFC and NFC receives a bye during the Wild Card Round, while the remaining six teams in each conference compete for places in the Divisional Round.
Further information about conference standings and available markets can be found through the AFC odds and NFC odds resources.
How Teams Qualify for the NFL Conference Championship Games
Each conference sends seven teams to the NFL playoffs. The four division winners receive the top four seeds, while three additional teams qualify through the Wild Card positions.
The number one seed in each conference advances directly to the Divisional Round. The other six teams compete in three Wild Card games, with the second seed hosting the seventh seed, the third seed hosting the sixth seed and the fourth seed hosting the fifth seed.
The three Wild Card winners join the top seed in the Divisional Round. The number one seed faces the lowest remaining seed, while the other two qualifying teams compete in the second divisional matchup.
The two Divisional Round winners in each conference advance to the Conference Championship game. The higher remaining seed hosts, and the winner becomes the conference representative in the Super Bowl.
| Stage | Teams Per Conference | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Playoff Field | Seven | Four division winners and three Wild Card teams |
| Wild Card Round | Six participating | Three winners advance |
| Divisional Round | Four | Two winners advance |
| Conference Championship | Two | One conference champion advances |
Playoff seeding determines home-field advantage, but it does not guarantee the outcome of any individual game. Lower-seeded teams can progress through the postseason by defeating higher-seeded opponents.
NFL Conference Championship Odds 2026
Conference Championship betting markets generally include point spreads, moneyline prices and over/under totals for both games. Additional options may include team totals, first-half markets, alternate lines and player props.
The participating teams for January 31, 2027, have not yet been determined. Consequently, matchup-specific championship point spreads, moneylines and game totals cannot be presented as confirmed current prices.
| Game | Point Spread | Moneyline | Game Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFC Championship | Matchup not determined | Matchup not determined | Matchup not determined |
| AFC Championship | Matchup not determined | Matchup not determined | Matchup not determined |
Sportsbooks may offer conference winner futures before the championship matchups are established. These markets concern which team will ultimately win the AFC or NFC rather than the result of a specific Conference Championship game.
Available NFL betting odds can be compared across sportsbooks, while FanDuel provides an additional operator-specific route for reviewing eligible football markets.
Conference Winner Odds vs Championship Game Odds
Conference winner futures and Conference Championship game odds represent different betting markets.
A conference winner futures selection concerns the team that ultimately wins its conference, regardless of its specific postseason opponents. These prices can be available during the regular season and may change as the playoff picture develops.
Championship game odds concern a particular matchup between the final two remaining teams in a conference. The point spread, moneyline and total are based on the circumstances of that game.
Conference futures prices may incorporate playoff qualification probabilities, potential seeding, expected opponents and the number of games a team may need to win. Championship game prices instead focus on a single confirmed fixture.
AFC Championship Game Preview
The AFC Championship game determines which American Football Conference team advances to Super Bowl LXI. The game will take place on January 31, 2027, following the completion of the AFC Divisional Round.
The matchup will feature the final two remaining AFC teams. Their identities and the host venue depend on the results of the regular season and preceding playoff rounds.
The AFC Championship typically brings together teams that have demonstrated sufficient offensive and defensive consistency to progress through several high-pressure postseason matchups. However, the specific characteristics of the game depend on the participating teams.
AFC Championship Offensive Matchup
Offensive analysis should account for the ability of each team to generate scoring opportunities through passing and rushing plays.
Relevant indicators include points scored per game, yards per play, passing efficiency, rushing efficiency, third-down conversions and red-zone production.
Quarterback performance is particularly important because passing efficiency, decision-making under pressure and turnover prevention can significantly influence offensive results.
The opposing defensive scheme also matters. A team that relies heavily on passing may face a different challenge against a defence capable of generating consistent pressure without committing additional defenders to blitzes.
Likewise, a rushing-focused offence may be affected by the opponent’s defensive front, tackling efficiency and ability to limit early-down gains.
AFC Championship Defensive Matchup
Defensive performance can influence both the outcome of the AFC Championship and the total number of points scored.
Important considerations include passing yards allowed, rushing efficiency allowed, pressure rate, sacks, third-down defence, red-zone performance and turnover production.
However, defensive statistics should be interpreted alongside opponent quality and game circumstances. A defence facing a particularly difficult schedule may produce different raw statistics from a defence that has encountered weaker offensive opponents.
Turnovers can also have a substantial influence on an individual playoff game, although past takeaway totals do not guarantee similar results in a future matchup.
AFC Championship Quarterback and Coaching Factors
Quarterback availability and performance are central to evaluating the AFC Championship. Passing accuracy, pressure management, mobility and red-zone decision-making can all affect scoring opportunities.
Coaching considerations include offensive play-calling, defensive adjustments, fourth-down decisions, clock management and responses to changes in game conditions.
Historical postseason experience may provide useful context, but previous championship appearances do not establish how a team will perform in a new matchup.
Current AFC betting markets can be considered alongside team performance when evaluating the conference’s leading contenders.
NFC Championship Game Preview
The NFC Championship game determines which National Football Conference team advances to Super Bowl LXI. It will take place on January 31, 2027, with the participating teams established after the NFC Divisional Round.
The matchup will be hosted by the higher remaining seed. Home-field conditions, player availability and the relative strengths of the participating teams will influence the final assessment of the game.
NFC Championship Offensive Analysis
The NFC Championship offensive matchup should be evaluated using both traditional production statistics and efficiency measures.
Passing yards and rushing yards provide useful information, but they do not fully account for the number of possessions, game situation or opponent quality.
Yards per play, success rate and Expected Points Added can provide additional context when assessing how consistently a team creates favourable offensive outcomes.
Offensive line performance is also important. Pass protection can affect quarterback efficiency, while blocking effectiveness influences rushing production and short-yardage situations.
NFC Championship Defensive Analysis
The defensive matchup should consider each team’s ability to limit passing efficiency, contain rushing attacks and prevent touchdowns in the red zone.
Pressure generation can influence quarterback decision-making, although aggressive defensive strategies may also create opportunities for explosive offensive plays.
Coverage performance, tackling consistency and the ability to prevent substantial gains can influence the expected scoring environment.
Defensive efficiency should be evaluated across the regular season and postseason while recognising that a small number of playoff games may not provide a reliable independent sample.
NFC Championship Coaching and Matchup Considerations
Coaching strategy can influence the balance between passing and rushing plays, the use of defensive pressure and decisions on fourth down.
The ability to adjust to opposing formations and personnel packages may become particularly important when two teams have already faced each other during the regular season.
Previous head-to-head results can provide context, but injuries, roster changes and tactical adjustments may limit their predictive relevance.
Current NFC odds offer additional market context for the conference’s leading teams.
Statistical Factors That Matter in Both Championship Games
Comparing offensive and defensive statistics can help explain the strengths and weaknesses of teams competing in the Conference Championship Round.
However, no single measure provides a complete assessment of team strength. Statistics should be evaluated collectively and adjusted for opponent quality where appropriate.
| Statistic | What It Measures | Championship Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Points Scored Per Game | Average offensive scoring production | Provides context for offensive output |
| Points Allowed Per Game | Average defensive scoring conceded | Helps evaluate defensive results |
| Yards Per Play | Average offensive or defensive yardage per play | Measures production relative to play volume |
| Expected Points Added | Change in expected scoring value associated with plays | Provides an efficiency-based assessment |
| Success Rate | Percentage of plays meeting a defined success threshold | Helps assess offensive and defensive consistency |
| Third-Down Conversion Rate | Percentage of third downs converted | Reflects the ability to sustain drives |
| Red-Zone Touchdown Rate | Percentage of red-zone opportunities ending in touchdowns | Provides information about scoring efficiency |
| Turnover Differential | Takeaways minus giveaways | Highlights possession changes affecting results |
| Sack Rate | Frequency of sacks relative to passing opportunities | Helps assess pressure and pass protection |
| Strength of Schedule | Quality of opponents faced | Supports more balanced statistical comparisons |
Regular-Season Statistics vs Playoff Statistics
Regular-season statistics generally cover a larger sample than postseason-only figures and can provide a broader assessment of team performance.
Playoff statistics reflect more recent games against postseason opponents, but they may be heavily influenced by a small number of results.
For example, a team producing an unusually high passing total in one playoff game may not sustain that level of production against a different defensive opponent.
Both periods should be considered, with clear distinctions between the underlying samples and the circumstances of the games.
NFL Conference Championship Injuries and Player Availability
Player availability can significantly influence Conference Championship analysis, particularly when injuries affect starting quarterbacks, offensive linemen, primary receivers or important defensive players.
Official injury reports and practice participation provide important information about player status. However, limited practice participation does not necessarily establish that a player will be unavailable for a game.
Injury designations should be considered alongside team announcements and confirmed game-day information.
Changes in player availability may influence expected offensive production, defensive performance and individual player prop markets.
The effect of an absence depends on the player’s responsibilities, replacement options and the opponent’s tactical characteristics.
Current NFL injury reports provide relevant information throughout the regular season and postseason.
Key Player Matchups in the Conference Championship Games
Individual player matchups can influence offensive strategy, defensive adjustments and the distribution of scoring opportunities.
The most relevant matchups depend on the participating teams, but several positions are particularly important when evaluating championship games.
Quarterbacks vs Pass Defences
Quarterback efficiency depends partly on the ability to identify coverage, manage pressure and distribute the ball effectively.
Defensive pressure can disrupt passing plays, while coverage assignments influence the availability of receiving options.
Passing yards, touchdown production, interception frequency and sack rates provide relevant context when comparing quarterbacks with opposing defensive units.
Running Backs vs Defensive Fronts
Rushing efficiency depends on offensive blocking, defensive alignment and the ability to create gains before contact.
Teams capable of controlling early-down rushing situations may create more manageable passing opportunities.
However, rushing production is also influenced by game script. Teams trailing by substantial margins may attempt fewer rushing plays as they increase their passing volume.
Receivers vs Defensive Coverage
Wide receiver and tight end production can depend on target volume, route participation, defensive coverage and quarterback performance.
Defences may adjust coverage to limit a leading receiving option, potentially creating additional opportunities for other players.
These considerations are particularly relevant when assessing receptions, receiving yards and touchdown markets.
How to Bet on the NFL Conference Championship Games
The Conference Championship Round features several established NFL betting markets. Understanding how each market works is important before evaluating prices or comparing selections.
Point Spread Betting
A point spread represents the handicap assigned to a team for betting purposes.
For example, a hypothetical favourite listed at -3.5 must win by at least four points for a standard spread selection on that team to succeed.
The opposing underdog at +3.5 would cover by winning outright or losing by three points or fewer.
Point spreads may differ between sportsbooks, and the price attached to each line should also be considered.
Moneyline Betting
Moneyline betting concerns the outright winner of a game, subject to the sportsbook’s settlement rules.
Negative American odds indicate the amount required to stake for a potential profit of $100, while positive odds indicate the potential profit from a $100 stake.
For example, hypothetical odds of -150 imply a potential profit of $100 from a $150 winning stake, while +130 implies a potential profit of $130 from a $100 winning stake.
These examples exclude any applicable adjustments and do not represent current championship prices.
Over/Under Betting
Over/under betting concerns the combined number of points scored by both teams.
If a hypothetical game total is 47.5 points, an over selection succeeds when the combined score reaches at least 48 points. An under selection succeeds when the combined score is 47 points or fewer.
Offensive efficiency, defensive performance, injuries and weather conditions may influence the scoring environment.
Team Totals
Team totals concern the number of points scored by one participating team rather than the combined game score.
These markets can be evaluated using offensive production, opposing defensive performance, red-zone efficiency and other relevant matchup factors.
First-Half Betting Markets
First-half markets apply to the opening two quarters of a game and may include point spreads, moneylines and totals.
These markets are distinct from full-game selections because they exclude subsequent scoring and game developments unless otherwise specified in the sportsbook’s rules.
NFL Conference Championship Player Props
Player prop markets concern the statistical performance of individual players during a game.
Common NFL Conference Championship props include passing yards, passing touchdowns, rushing yards, receiving yards, receptions and anytime touchdown scorers.
The specific players and available lines will depend on the teams that qualify for the championship games.
| Player Prop Market | What It Measures | Relevant Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | Total passing yards credited to a player | Passing volume, defensive coverage, game script |
| Passing Touchdowns | Touchdown passes recorded | Red-zone opportunities, passing efficiency |
| Rushing Yards | Total rushing yards credited | Carry volume, blocking, opposing run defence |
| Receiving Yards | Total receiving yards credited | Targets, route participation, coverage |
| Receptions | Completed catches credited | Target share, passing strategy, defensive matchups |
| Anytime Touchdown | Whether the selected player scores a touchdown under the market rules | Scoring opportunities, usage, red-zone role |
| Quarterback Rushing Yards | Rushing production by the quarterback | Designed runs, scrambles, opposing pressure |
Player props should be evaluated using verified lines and relevant performance information. A player’s most recent game may provide useful context, but one unusually strong or weak performance does not establish an expectation for the next matchup.
The dedicated NFL Conference Championship props resource provides additional coverage of these markets.
Quarterback Passing Props
Quarterback passing-yard markets can be influenced by offensive strategy, opponent coverage, expected game conditions and the number of passing attempts.
Passing touchdown markets also depend on red-zone opportunities and whether the offence relies more heavily on passing or rushing near the goal line.
Quarterback rushing props require separate consideration of designed runs, scrambles and the opposing defensive scheme.
Running Back Props
Running back markets may include rushing yards, receiving yards, receptions and touchdowns.
Carry volume, offensive line performance and the opposing run defence can influence rushing production.
Receiving usage is also important because some running backs contribute significantly to short passing plays and third-down situations.
Wide Receiver and Tight End Props
Receiving markets should account for target share, route participation, quarterback performance and defensive coverage.
A player receiving a high proportion of team targets may have more opportunities to accumulate receptions, but yardage outcomes also depend on depth of target and yards gained after the catch.
Touchdown markets introduce additional uncertainty because scoring opportunities are less frequent and can be distributed across several players.
NFL Conference Championship Parlays
Parlay betting combines multiple selections into a single wager. A standard parlay generally requires every included selection to win for the overall wager to succeed, subject to the operator’s settlement rules.
Conference Championship parlays may combine moneyline selections, point spreads, game totals and player props where permitted.
Same-game parlays combine selections from one matchup, although sportsbooks may restrict certain combinations because of correlations between outcomes.
For example, a team’s moneyline result and the passing performance of its quarterback may be related. Sportsbooks can account for these relationships when pricing eligible combinations.
Parlays can produce larger potential payouts than individual selections at comparable stakes, but they also introduce additional conditions that must be satisfied.
The NFL Conference Championship parlays page provides further information about available combinations and relevant markets.
Weather and Home-Field Advantage in Conference Championship Games
Home-field advantage can influence Conference Championship performance through travel requirements, stadium familiarity, crowd conditions and other factors.
The higher remaining playoff seed hosts each conference title game, making regular-season performance and seeding important to the eventual venue.
Outdoor championship games may also be affected by weather, particularly strong winds, precipitation and difficult field conditions.
Wind can influence passing and kicking, while snow or heavy rain may affect ball handling and offensive execution.
However, weather effects vary by team and circumstance. Cold temperatures alone do not establish that a game will produce fewer points.
Reliable game-specific forecasts will become relevant closer to January 31, 2027, once the host stadiums are determined.
NFL Conference Championship Betting Trends
Historical Conference Championship betting trends can provide context for evaluating how favourites, underdogs and totals have performed in previous seasons.
However, historical samples are relatively small because only one AFC Championship and one NFC Championship game take place each season.
A trend covering ten seasons therefore includes only 20 games across both conferences, limiting the conclusions that can be drawn from the results.
Favourites vs Underdogs
Historical analysis can examine how frequently favourites win outright and how often they cover the point spread.
These outcomes should be distinguished because a favourite can win a game without covering the spread.
Any historical percentage should identify the seasons included, the number of games examined and the source of the relevant betting lines.
Home Teams in Conference Championships
Home-team results can be evaluated to determine how often championship hosts have advanced to the Super Bowl.
However, home teams generally hold higher playoff seeds, meaning their historical success may reflect team strength as well as stadium conditions.
Any attempt to isolate home-field advantage should account for these differences.
Over/Under Results
Historical totals can be assessed by comparing final combined scores with the closing sportsbook lines.
However, differences in participating teams, weather, injuries and offensive strategies limit the predictive value of broad historical trends.
Matchup-specific analysis generally provides more relevant information than relying on a historical over or under percentage alone.
Memorable NFL Conference Championship Matchups
The AFC and NFC Championship games have produced several significant postseason matchups, including repeated meetings between established conference contenders.
Historical results can provide context about rivalries and previous postseason performances, but they should not be treated as direct predictions of future outcomes.
Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills: 2020 AFC Championship
Kansas City defeated Buffalo 38-24 in the AFC Championship following the 2020 regular season.
The Chiefs advanced to Super Bowl LV, while Buffalo’s postseason ended one victory short of the championship game.
The matchup became part of a broader postseason rivalry between the teams, whose quarterbacks and offensive systems generated significant interest in subsequent seasons.
Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills: 2021 Divisional Round
The teams met again in the Divisional Round following the 2021 regular season, with Kansas City winning 42-36 in overtime.
The game featured substantial late scoring and became a notable example of how quickly postseason outcomes can change during the closing stages.
Although this was not a Conference Championship game, it remains relevant historical context for the rivalry.
Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington Commanders: 2024 NFC Championship
Philadelphia and Washington met in the NFC Championship following the 2024 regular season.
The matchup followed Washington’s 45-31 Divisional Round victory over Detroit, during which rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels passed for 299 yards and two touchdowns.
The game highlighted Washington’s postseason development and Philadelphia’s opportunity to return to the Super Bowl.
These circumstances belong to the January 2025 postseason and should be distinguished from the forthcoming January 2027 championship games.
How Conference Championship Betting Lines Move
Sportsbook lines can change between the opening market and kickoff as new information becomes available.
Potential influences include injuries, player availability, weather conditions, changes in expected team performance and market activity.
However, the cause of a particular line movement cannot always be established from the movement itself.
Opening vs Closing Lines
An opening line is the initial price or spread offered by a sportsbook for a particular market.
A closing line is the price available shortly before the relevant market closes, typically near the beginning of the game for pre-match selections.
Comparing opening and closing lines can help illustrate how market expectations developed.
However, historical line movement should be evaluated alongside the timing and circumstances of relevant developments.
Why Comparing Sportsbooks Matters
Different sportsbooks may offer different point spreads, moneyline prices and totals for the same Conference Championship game.
For example, a hypothetical underdog available at +3.5 at one sportsbook and +3 at another presents different settlement outcomes when the favourite wins by exactly three points.
The associated odds must also be considered because a more favourable line may carry a less favourable price.
Reviewing sportsbook comparisons alongside the main NFL betting markets can help identify differences between available offers.
NFL Conference Championship Predictions and Matchup Analysis
Conference Championship predictions require consideration of the specific teams, their recent performances and the available betting lines.
As the January 2027 matchups have not yet been determined, there is insufficient information to establish verified game-specific predictions or selections.
A comprehensive championship assessment should consider the following factors when the participating teams are confirmed.
- Offensive efficiency: Passing and rushing production, third-down performance, red-zone efficiency and the ability to sustain drives.
- Defensive efficiency: Pressure generation, coverage performance, run defence, scoring prevention and turnover production.
- Quarterback performance: Passing accuracy, decision-making, pressure management and rushing contributions.
- Injuries: Confirmed absences, uncertain availability and the quality of replacement players.
- Opponent quality: The strength of teams faced during the regular season and postseason.
- Home-field conditions: Travel, rest, stadium characteristics and relevant weather conditions.
- Sportsbook prices: Available spreads, moneylines, totals and differences between operators.
These considerations can help establish the principal advantages and limitations of each team, but they cannot eliminate the uncertainty inherent in a single NFL game.
NFL Conference Championship Frequently Asked Questions
When are the NFL Conference Championship games in 2026?
The Conference Championship games for the 2026 NFL season are scheduled for Sunday, January 31, 2027.
Which teams are playing in the AFC Championship?
The participating teams will be determined by the results of the AFC Divisional Round in January 2027.
Which teams are playing in the NFC Championship?
The NFC Championship will feature the two teams that win their respective NFC Divisional Round games.
What time does the AFC Championship start?
The AFC Championship is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time on January 31, 2027.
What time does the NFC Championship start?
The NFC Championship is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on January 31, 2027.
Where are the NFL Conference Championship games played?
Each game is hosted by the higher remaining playoff seed in its conference. The stadiums will therefore depend on the teams that qualify.
How do teams qualify for the Conference Championship Round?
Teams qualify by advancing through the NFL playoffs and winning their respective Divisional Round games. Two teams from each conference reach the championship round.
Where can the Conference Championship games be watched?
The NFC Championship is scheduled for FOX, while the AFC Championship is scheduled for CBS. Streaming availability depends on the broadcaster, provider and applicable viewing region.
What are the latest AFC Championship odds?
Game-specific AFC Championship odds will depend on the participating teams. Conference winner futures may be available before the championship matchup is established.
What are the latest NFC Championship odds?
Game-specific NFC Championship odds will be determined once the matchup is known. Futures markets for the NFC champion are separate from the betting lines for the championship game itself.
Who is favoured to win the AFC Championship?
The favourite in the AFC Championship game cannot be established until the participating teams and relevant sportsbook prices are known. Conference futures favourites may change throughout the season.
Who is favoured to win the NFC Championship?
The NFC Championship favourite will depend on the confirmed matchup and the sportsbook’s available moneyline and point spread prices.
What are the point spreads for the championship games?
Point spreads for the individual championship games will be established once the participating teams are confirmed and sportsbooks publish the relevant markets.
What are the over/under totals?
Over/under totals concern the combined points scored in each game. The specific championship totals will depend on the confirmed matchups and available sportsbook lines.
What player props are available for Conference Championship games?
Common markets include passing yards, rushing yards, receiving yards, receptions, passing touchdowns and anytime touchdown scorers. Availability varies by sportsbook and participating players.
How do Conference Championship parlays work?
A standard parlay combines multiple selections into one wager, with each selection generally required to win for the overall wager to succeed, subject to the sportsbook’s rules.
How does home-field advantage affect Conference Championship games?
Home-field advantage may influence performance through travel, crowd conditions, stadium familiarity and other factors. The effect varies between teams and circumstances.
Does weather affect NFL playoff betting?
Weather can influence passing, kicking, ball handling and offensive strategy. However, its effect depends on the conditions and the teams involved rather than temperature alone.
What happens after the Conference Championship games?
The AFC and NFC champions advance to Super Bowl LXI, scheduled for February 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Do the Conference Championship winners automatically reach the Super Bowl?
Yes. The AFC Championship winner and NFC Championship winner are the two teams that compete in the Super Bowl.
NFL Conference Championship Final Overview
The 2026 NFL Conference Championship games will determine the AFC and NFC representatives in Super Bowl LXI. Both championship games are scheduled for January 31, 2027, following the completion of the Divisional Round.
The participating teams will be established through the postseason, with playoff seeding determining which team hosts each conference title game.
Once the matchups are confirmed, offensive and defensive efficiency, quarterback performance, injuries, weather and home-field conditions will provide important context for evaluating the games.
Betting analysis should also distinguish between conference winner futures and the individual championship game markets, which include point spreads, moneylines, totals and player props.
Comparing NFL odds and relevant sportsbook options can help identify differences in available prices and markets. Historical results and analytical projections provide useful context but do not guarantee future outcomes.