NFC:

In the NFC it comes down between the five seed Los Angeles Rams and the one seed Seattle Seahawks in a huge rivalry matchup. Each team is 1-1 against each other this season so it can be anyone’s game. In last week’s matchup, the Seahawks dominated in every aspect of the game while trampling the 49ers in a 41-6 win. On the other hand, the Rams have barely won their two matchups, sneaking out with a 20-17 overtime win against the Bears and a 34-31 win against the Panthers the week before. Seattle’s quarterback Sam Darnold was questionable in last week’s matchup with an oblique injury but has shown no signs of slowing down. Offensive player of the year favorite Jaxon Smith-Njigba has played well, but the Seahawks are going to need him to turn it up from what he’s done so far in the playoffs. The Seahawks have an incredible defense, being top five in yards per game by the opposing team and turnovers forced. On the Rams side, their offense is looking elite. Star receiver Puka Nacua, who has been right up there with Smith–Njigba, is leading this offense along with MVP favorite quarterback Matthew Stafford at the helm. Overall this matchup is as close as it gets and is expected to be the game of the year so far, but with that said and due to a well rested team and how they have dominated their opponents, the Seahawks will take this one home.

— Charlie Weigand ‘27