Who’s going to the Super Bowl 2026? Seahawks favored, Rams ascend as playoffs heat up

The Seattle Seahawks entered playoff season as surprise Super Bowl 2026 favorites. Just days after clinching the NFC West, the Seahawks sit at +400 odds heading into the divisional round. The Los Angeles Rams, their division rivals, aren’t far behind at +425 odds as both teams heat up when it matters most.

Seahawks Domination: From Despair to West Crown

The Seattle Seahawks were eliminated from playoff contention for two straight seasons. Now, they’re the NFL’s hottest team heading into February. Sam Darnold orchestrated a stunning turnaround after the team moved on from Geno Smith, and it has paid dividends beyond expectations.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the 23-year-old wide receiver, sets an astonishing franchise receiving yards record with 1,313-plus yards and leads the entire league this season. Pro Bowl selections include Smith-Njigba, Devon Witherspoon, and Leonard Williams, signaling a comprehensive team resurgence.

The Seahawks’ defense has strengthened dramatically, anchored by DeMarcus Lawrence at edge rusher and Rashid Shaheed in the secondary. Home-field advantage at Lumen Field remains a weapon in the cold January weather that few opponents enjoy navigating.

Rams Strike Back: McVay’s Offense Unstoppable

Sean McVay’s Los Angeles Rams posted an NFL-record 30.5 points per game during the 2025 season, showcasing explosive offensive firepower. Matthew Stafford, the veteran quarterback, delivered MVP-caliber performances down the stretch, most notably orchestrating a 71-yard, seven-play touchdown drive with less than three minutes remaining against the Carolina Panthers.

Stafford found tight end Colby Parkinson for the game-winning 19-yard touchdown to salvage a 34-31 Wild Card victory. The Rams now face the Chicago Bears in the divisional round, a matchup that favors McVay’s high-octane offense against a strong Windy City defense.

Davante Adams and the receiving corps provide Stafford elite targets in critical moments. The Rams’ rushing attack and play-action schemes have generated consistent scoring threats throughout January’s opening rounds.

NFC Versus AFC Contenders: Who Advances?

Conference	Top Seed	Record	Odds
NFC Leader	Seattle Seahawks	14-3	+400
NFC Challenger	Los Angeles Rams	12-5	+425
AFC Leader	Denver Broncos	14-3	+650
AFC Contender	Buffalo Bills	12-5	+1000

The AFC landscape shifted dramatically with Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson absent from playoff contention. This opens an unprecedented pathway for underdog franchises to reach Super Bowl LX for the first time in their respective histories.

Sean Payton’s Denver Broncos command +650 odds as the AFC’s clearest path to the championship. Josh Allen’s Buffalo Bills provide a Wild Card threat with a veteran championship resume, though a questionable road playoff performance clouds their upside.

“The Seahawks have the complete package. Defense, explosive offense, and a young superstar receiver in Smith-Njigba. This doesn’t feel like a fluke.”

— NFL Analyst, ESPN

One Month Until February Glory: Can Favorites Deliver?

Four weeks remain until Super Bowl LX crowns the 2025-2026 NFL champion. The Seahawks’ youth movement contrasts sharply with veteran-laden teams like the Rams and Bills, creating intriguing subplot dynamics for oddsmakers and fans alike.

Home games in Seattle and Los Angeles provide crucial advantages through bitter conference championship contests. Levi’s Stadium awaits the champion, promising Bad Bunny’s halftime performance and NFL history in the making.

Are the Seahawks frontrunners bound for first ring since Super Bowl XLVIII, or do the Rams seize their moment with Stafford’s brilliant arm and McVay’s offensive mastery finally breaking through?

Sources

• ESPN – Super Bowl 2026 odds, playoff bracket updates, and team analysis
• Fox Sports – Seahawks and Rams playoff predictions, historical context
• USA Today – NFL playoff standings, expert predictions, statistical breakdowns