Power ratings project Patriots -2.5 over Broncos, Seahawks -2.5 over Rams

Cbssports projects spreads for the conference championship games, putting the Patriots at -2.5 in the Patriots at Broncos matchup and the Seahawks at -2.5 in the Rams at Seahawks game.

The analysis centers on Denver's quarterback uncertainty: Bo Nix is viewed as a mid-range starter while Jarrett Stidham is treated as a mid-range backup, prompting a 4.5-point adjustment to the Broncos' rating that, with a slight bump for New England, produced the Patriots -2.5 mark. The piece notes sportsbooks opened Denver as 4.5-point underdogs and that markets pushed New England as high as 5.5–6 at some books; the author said he will likely back the home underdog and cited that home underdogs of four points or more were 9-0 ATS over the last 50 years and 11-0 heading into this matchup.

On the NFC side the author has the Rams and Seahawks even and then gives Seattle home-field advantage to reach Seahawks -2.5, citing Seattle's recent defensive form and Los Angeles' offensive struggles. Important unknowns remain — notably Stafford's recent form and whether an elite defense can neutralize an out-of-form offense — and the author said he will post full picks for members at SportsLine.

Key Topics

Sports, Patriots, Broncos, Seahawks, Rams, Bo Nix