Locals In The NFL: Previewing NFC & AFC Conference Championships
Jan 19, 2026, 12:05 PM | Updated: Jan 20, 2026, 10:44 am
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 18: Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams stiff arms Nick Emmanwori #3 of the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at Lumen Field on December 18, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Four teams remain alive in the 2026 NFL playoffs. Two Conference Championship games will take place on Sunday, with a Super Bowl bid on the line.
There are six players with ties to the state of Utah set to suit up next weekend.
Let’s preview the two games and look at how the Utah locals could help their team pick up a win.
Championship Sunday is set! #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/1ONNGFZVY1
— NFL (@NFL) January 19, 2026
Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots
Even with Denver’s starting quarterback, Bo Nix, sidelined with a broken ankle, this game won’t be a cake walk for the Patriots. One week after defeating Houston’s elite defense, they will face another in the conference championship.
New England’s defense showed out against the Texans, forcing five turnovers. Four of which were interceptions thrown by C.J. Stroud.
Now, against Jarrett Stidham, if they can put up a similar defensive performance, it’s hard to imagine a world where Denver can win this one. If the Broncos are to win, it’ll start on defense and will require key playmakers to step up on offense.
Local Angle
Former Utah offensive lineman Garett Bolles is one of the best tackles in the NFL, but he and the rest of Denver’s unit need to do all they can to give Stidham time in the pocket. For most of the game, Bolles will match up with Milton Williams, who had 3.5 sacks in the regular season and two more in the Wild Card round.
Also with the Broncos are former Ute linebackers Jonah Elliss and Karene Reid. Elliss returned in the Divisional round and posted three tackles with no misses. The best thing he can do is remain consistent in the midfield and put pressure on Drake Maye when asked to rush. Reid hasn’t played since week eight, but Utah’s “Next Man Up” mindset can come into play at any moment.
On the other side, former BYU defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga will look to stifle Denver’s offense. Tonga is rising to the occasion for New England, posting his best performance of the season in the Divisional last weekend. He finished with three tackles and a sack. If the Broncos can’t get their run game going, it’ll be that much harder to come out with a win.
Garett Bolles firing up the crowd in Denver 🔥 @gbolles72 pic.twitter.com/BtzVxtjjjO
— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2026
Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams
After two gridiron classics in the regular season, it seemed like destiny we would eventually see Seattle versus Los Angeles in the NFC playoffs.
In week 11, the Rams’ defense grabbed four interceptions and won 21-19. In week 16, Seattle got revenge in what might’ve been the best game of the regular season.
Other than the untimely ACL injury to Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet, both teams are healthy and ready for a dog fight in the Pacific Northwest.
It’ll be the ultimate test of an offensive juggernaut against a suffocating defense. Seattle has only allowed teams to score more than 25 points two times all season. Matt Stafford is the favorite for NFL MVP alongside debatably the best wide receiver in the NFL this season in Puka Nacua. Winner goes to Santa Clara.
Local angle
For Seattle, former Weber State WR Rashid Shaheed will need to show up both on offense and on special teams. In the Divisional, he opened the game with a 95-yard kick return, and the Seahawks never looked back after the early game momentum boost. That said, Seattle will likely need him to step up in the passing game as opposing secondaries focus all their energy on Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
The Seahawks also have former Utah defensive end Connor O’Toole. He has just 32 snaps all season long, and four in the playoffs. But if he’s out there, any pressure on Stafford will be helpful for that defense.
And of course, the Rams bring former BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua to the table. Against the Seahawks this season, Nacua has totaled 19 catches for 300 yards and two touchdowns. It’s worth noting that those stats split into two very different performances for the Cougar alum. 75 yards and no scores in week 11. 225 yards and two scores in week 16.
Expecting multiple touchdowns and over 200 yards is a recipe for getting let down. But if Nacua can reach triple digits and find the end zone at least once, that is a recipe for a Rams victory.
“We’ll see you in Seattle, baby!”@AsapPuka is READY for the NFC Title game 🗣️ @RamsNFL pic.twitter.com/woLusuF0wY
— NFL (@NFL) January 19, 2026
About #LocalsInTheNFL
For over five years, KSL Sports has provided coverage on all NFL players with ties to the state of Utah.
Whether they attended Utah or BYU or grew up in the Beehive State, we keep you caught up with how the locals are performing on the highest stage.
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