Why The Super Bowl Favorites Are Not As Safe You Think | Championship Sunday Preview

Jan 22, 2026

Guest

Nate Atkins

Guest

Nick Kosmider, a Denver Broncos reporter, shares insights on Jarrett Stidham's unexpected opportunity and how Sean Payton's strategies could redefine the team's performance. Chad Graff discusses the New England Patriots' pressure as favorites and the challenges faced by Drake Maye. Michael-Shawn Dugar brings attention to Sam Darnold's health and how Seattle's culture influences their play. Lastly, Nate Atkins analyzes the Rams' adjustments and highlights Kevin Dotson as a potential game-changing factor.

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ANECDOTE

Stidham's Long Road To A Big Chance

Jarrett Stidham kept preparing through years of backups and even quarterbacking a Texas high-school scout team while between colleges.
Nick Kosmider says that background explains Stidham's readiness and why teams kept signing him despite little in-game tape.

ADVICE

Rehab With Role-Specific Conditioning

Prepare returning players to handle both load-bearing and conditioning constraints caused by specific injuries.
Nick Kosmider notes teams must isolate rehab work so players like J.K. Dobbins can be game-ready despite a foot issue.

INSIGHT

Payton Peaks Under Pressure

Sean Payton thrives when his back is against the wall and tailors game plans to attack specific opponent weaknesses.
Nick Kosmider argues Payton will lean on creative, aggressive game-planning to win with a backup QB.

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The NFL is down to Championship Sunday — four teams, two conference titles, and one final step before the Super Bowl. Can the Broncos survive the moment with Jarrett Stidham stepping in under the brightest lights? Are the Patriots ready for the pressure that comes with being the team everyone expects to win? Can the Seahawks protect Sam Darnold (and his oblique) long enough to let their offense play free? And will the Rams keep finding ways to win even when they’re not playing perfect football?

Scoop City kicks off the Thursday Road Trip: Championship Edition starting in the AFC with Broncos writer Nick Kosmider, diving into why Denver believes Stidham can keep the offense steady — and why this week might actually bring out the best in Sean Payton. From the details behind Stidham’s preparation to the confidence coming from inside the locker room, the Broncos aren’t shrinking from the moment… they’re leaning into it.

On the other side of the AFC, Patriots writer Chad Graff, who explains what the week has felt like in Foxborough as the Patriots suddenly carry a different kind of burden: the pressure to win against a backup. Chad breaks down why Drake Maye’s postseason efficiency has dipped from his regular season level, what Denver’s defense can exploit, and how New England can avoid letting the moment — or the matchup — speed them up.

Then it’s over to the NFC and the Seahawks with Michael-Shawn Dugar. The spotlight lands on Sam Darnold’s oblique injury, how it changes the game plan, and why the biggest priority is limiting pressure — especially with so many of his turnovers coming when defenders get home. If Seattle keeps Darnold clean and composed, the Super Bowl path is real.

Finally, we close the team previews with a Rams report from Nate Atkins, focusing on how Los Angeles keeps stacking wins even when the performance isn’t flawless. With Matthew Stafford as the longest-tenured veteran QB still standing — and already a Super Bowl champion — plus Sean McVay’s experience, creativity, and the ability to win ugly when it matters most.

James Palmer wraps the show with his end-of-season awards picks after today’s finalists were released — including MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, Defensive Rookie of the Year, and Coach of the Year.

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