The road to the Super Bowl reaches its penultimate stop this Sunday as the AFC and NFC titles are on the line. However, the 2025 NFL Conference Championship injuries are already playing a massive role in how these matchups will unfold. With high-stakes battles between the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos, as well as the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks, roster health has become the primary storyline heading into kickoff.
AFC Championship: Broncos Face Patriots Without Bo Nix
The biggest blow of the postseason hit the Denver Broncos during their Divisional Round victory. Rookie sensation Bo Nix has been officially ruled out for the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots due to a fractured right ankle. Nix, who was a driving force behind Denver's late-season surge, will be replaced by veteran Jarrett Stidham.
The Broncos' injury woes don't stop at the quarterback position. The team will also be without several other key contributors on Sunday:
- J.K. Dobbins (RB): Out with a foot injury.
- Lucas Krull (TE): Out with a foot injury.
- Drew Sanders (LB): Out with an ankle injury.
The New England Patriots enter the contest relatively healthier but are not without their own concerns. Linebacker Harold Landry has been ruled out with a knee injury, a significant loss for a defense tasked with rattling Stidham. Additionally, wide receiver Mack Hollins (abdomen) and cornerback Carlton Davis (concussion) are listed as questionable, though Hollins is expected to suit up after returning to practice late in the week.
NFC Championship: Sam Darnold Cleared for Seahawks vs. Rams
In the Pacific Northwest, the Seattle Seahawks received the news they were hoping for regarding their starting signal-caller. Quarterback Sam Darnold, who dealt with an oblique injury throughout the week, has been cleared of any injury designation and will start against the Los Angeles Rams. Darnold’s presence is critical for a Seahawks offense that has leaned on his veteran leadership during this playoff run.
While the Seahawks' passing game is intact, their backfield is thin. Running back Zach Charbonnet was placed on injured reserve this week with a knee injury, leaving Kenneth Walker III to shoulder the bulk of the carries. To bolster depth, Seattle has activated George Holani from IR and promoted Cam Akers from the practice squad to provide relief.
Rams Defense and O-Line Concerns
The Los Angeles Rams travel to Lumen Field with a major void on their offensive line. Starting tackle Rob Havenstein has been ruled out with an ankle injury. His absence against a ferocious Seattle pass rush could be a deciding factor for Matthew Stafford and the Rams' air attack, which will need to find ways to compensate for the lack of protection on the edge.
On the defensive side, the Rams are monitoring linebacker Byron Young. Listed as questionable with a knee injury, Young is a vital part of the Rams' defensive front. Despite the designation, head coach Sean McVay indicated that the team expects Young to play, albeit perhaps in a slightly limited capacity to manage the injury.
Impact of the 2025 NFL Conference Championship Injuries
As the 2025 NFL Conference Championship injuries continue to shift the betting lines and game plans, the depth of these four rosters will be tested like never before. In Denver, the focus is on whether Stidham can manage a game plan well enough to overcome the loss of Nix. In Seattle, the health of Darnold’s oblique will be under the microscope every time he takes a hit. With a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, the outcome of these games will be defined by the players who are healthy enough to take the field and the depth players stepping into the spotlight.
Sources & Original Reporting
