The stage is set for Super Bowl LX. Sunday’s Conference Championship games gave us two completely different scripts: an old-school defensive slugfest in the AFC and a modern aerial shootout in the NFC.
For fantasy managers playing in Playoff Challenges or looking ahead to 2026 Dynasty values, Sunday provided plenty of answers. Here is our recap of the action, along with the fresh batch of Fantasy Team Names inspired by the week’s heroes.
AFC Championship: Patriots 10, Broncos 7
In a game where points were at a premium, the New England Patriots secured their spot in Super Bowl LX with a gritty 10-7 victory over the Denver Broncos. This wasn't a fantasy bonanza, but it was a masterclass in situational football.
Key Fantasy Takeaways
- Drake Maye's Grit: The Pats QB didn't light up the stat sheet with passing yards, but his lone rushing touchdown proved to be the difference-maker. For dynasty managers, Maye's ability to grind out wins in January is a promising sign for his long-term job security.
- Christian Gonzalez's Island: The Broncos passing attack was stifled all day, headlined by a crucial interception from Christian Gonzalez. The Patriots D/ST remains an elite asset in all formats.
- Broncos Stalled: Jarrett Stidham managed the game but couldn't find the end zone when it mattered most. The Broncos' skill players (Sutton, Williams) were largely held in check, capping their DFS value.
Team Name Inspiration
- Maye Day Parade: Celebrating the QB who punched the ticket.
- Gonzo’s Island: For the managers who rely on elite IDP plays.
- Patriot Games: A classic, but relevant again.
NFC Championship: Seahawks 31, Rams 27
If the AFC game was a defensive struggle, the NFC Championship was a fantasy manager’s dream. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 in a thriller that featured nearly 800 yards of total offense.
Key Fantasy Takeaways
- Sam Darnold's Redemption: The story of the playoffs continues to be Sam Darnold. He threw for 3 touchdowns, dissecting the Rams' secondary. His dynasty value has never been higher.
- Kenneth Walker III: The engine of the Seahawks' offense added a rushing touchdown and was a constant threat. He enters the Super Bowl as the RB1 overall for Showdown slates.
- Rams' Aerial Assault: Despite the loss, Matthew Stafford went down swinging, throwing 3 touchdowns split between Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Puka remains a top-3 dynasty WR asset regardless of the result.
Team Name Inspiration
- Sam I Am: Simple, effective, and a tribute to the unlikeliest of Super Bowl QBs.
- Kenneth Walker Texas Ranger: Always a crowd favorite.
- Stafford Infection: For the Rams fans licking their wounds.
- Puka Shells: A reminder of the WR talent that will dominate 2026 drafts.
The Super Bowl Matchup
It’s Seattle vs. New England on February 8th. We have the high-flying Seahawks offense against the immovable object that is the Patriots defense. Stay tuned for our Super Bowl LX Preview and Showdown Captain picks coming later this week.